Ezra 6:22

Authorized King James Version

And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֧וּ

H6213

And kept

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חַג

H2282

the feast

a festival, or a victim therefor

מַצּ֛וֹת

H4682

of unleavened bread

properly, sweetness; concretely, sweet (i.e., not soured or bittered with yeast); specifically, an unfermented cake or loaf, or (elliptically) the fes

שִׁבְעַ֥ת

H7651

seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֖ים

H3117

days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּשִׂמְחָ֑ה

H8057

with joy

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שִׂמְּחָ֣ם

H8055

had made them joyful

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

וְֽהֵסֵ֞ב

H5437

and turned

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

#11

לֵ֤ב

H3820

the heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#12

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

of the king

a king

#13

אַשּׁוּר֙

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#14

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#15

לְחַזֵּ֣ק

H2388

unto them to strengthen

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

#16

יְדֵיהֶ֔ם

H3027

their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#17

בִּמְלֶ֥אכֶת

H4399

in the work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#18

בֵּית

H1004

of the house

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

#19

אֱלֹהֵ֥י

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#20

אֱלֹהֵ֥י

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#21

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezra.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezra chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?