Ezekiel 40:45

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר

H1696

And he said

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֑י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זֹ֣ה

H2090

unto me This

this or that

הַלִּשְׁכָּ֗ה

H3957

chamber

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פָּנֶ֙יהָ֙

H6440

whose prospect

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

דֶּ֣רֶךְ

H1870

is toward

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַדָּר֔וֹם

H1864

the south

the south; poet. the south wind

לַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים

H3548

is for the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#10

שֹׁמְרֵ֖י

H8104

the keepers

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#11

מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת

H4931

of the charge

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

#12

הַבָּֽיִת׃

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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