Ezra 8:29

Authorized King James Version

Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שִׁקְד֣וּ

H8245

Watch

to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)

וְשִׁמְר֗וּ

H8104

ye and keep

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

עַֽד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

תִּשְׁקְל֡וּ

H8254

them until ye weigh

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

לִפְנֵי֩

H6440

them before

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

וְשָׂרֵֽי

H8269

and chief

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֧ים

H3548

of the priests

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

וְהַלְוִיִּ֛ם

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

וְשָׂרֵֽי

H8269

and chief

a head person (of any rank or class)

#10

הָאָב֥וֹת

of the fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#11

לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#12

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

at Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#13

הַלִּשְׁכ֖וֹת

H3957

in the chambers

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

#14

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

of the house

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

#15

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezra, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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 understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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 sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?