Ezekiel 44:16

Authorized King James Version

They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֜מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
יָבֹ֣אוּ
They shall enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
מִקְדָּשִׁ֗י
into my sanctuary
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#5
וְהֵ֛מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
יִקְרְב֥וּ
and they shall come near
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
שֻׁלְחָנִ֖י
to my table
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#9
לְשָׁרְתֵ֑נִי
to minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#10
וְשָׁמְר֖וּ
unto me and they shall keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
מִשְׁמַרְתִּֽי׃
my charge
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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