Lexical Summary qeseth: Ink, inkstand Original Word: קֶסֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance inkhorn From the same as kowc (or as qashah); properly, a cup, i.e. An ink-stand -- inkhorn. see HEBREW kowc see HEBREW qashah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qasah Definition a pot (for ink), inkhorn NASB Translation case (2), writing case (1). Topical Lexicon Definition and General Overview קֶסֶת denotes the writing kit or inkhorn borne by ancient scribes. Housed in a small case suspended from the belt, it held a reed pen, a knife for trimming the nib, and wells or bladders of ink. Portable and durable, it allowed a scribe to inscribe clay, leather, or papyrus wherever duty called. In the Ancient Near East such kits were status symbols: only officials, priests, or professional recorders wore them, marking the bearer as one entrusted with words that outlast men and empires. Occurrences in Scripture The term appears exclusively in Ezekiel 9 and always of “the man clothed in linen.” The rarity of the word underscores the uniqueness of the scene: a single, angelic scribe moves amid six executioners, mercy and judgment proceeding together from the sanctuary. Historical Background of Writing Implements Archaeology confirms that fifth–sixth-century-BC scribes in Mesopotamia and Egypt secured their ink cases by a thong around the waist, readily available for rapid notation. In royal courts and temple precincts, the scribe was the custodian of treaties, genealogies, and cultic regulations. In Israel the prophetic class itself often exercised scribal functions (Jeremiah 36), but the term קֶסֶת in Ezekiel 9 portrays not a human prophet but a heavenly registrar. Theological Significance of the ‘Writing Case’ in Ezekiel 9 1. Instrument of Preservation Before judgment fell on Jerusalem, the writing kit became the tool of divine preservation: “And the LORD said to him, ‘Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed there.’” (Ezekiel 9:4) The same city that despised God’s written Law is now searched by a celestial scribe who inscribes living hearts. 2. Seal before Sword The order—mark first, strike later—echoes Exodus 12 and anticipates Revelation 7. God’s pattern is immutable: secure the righteous, then unleash wrath. The קֶסֶת stands between holiness and harm, picturing the Gospel itself, where the blood of the Lamb precedes the final judgment. 3. Witness against the City A written record implies accountability; nothing is ad hoc. Jerusalem’s fall is not a random calamity but a verdict recorded, attested, and executed. Prophetic and Ministerial Application • Intercession: The man in linen identifies those who “sigh and groan,” reminding pastors that genuine lament over sin marks the true church. Typological and Christological Reflections Clothed in linen—the fabric of priestly purity (Exodus 28:42)—the figure foreshadows the perfect Mediator who both records and removes sin. His side-bound kit recalls the pierced side of Jesus, from which flowed blood and water—symbols of cleansing ink and living word. While the six executioners brandish weapons, the man in linen wields only words, prefiguring the Messiah who conquers by “the sword that comes from His mouth” (Revelation 19:15). Practical Lessons for Today 1. God keeps books; therefore integrity in record-keeping, scholarship, and preaching matters. Conclusion קֶסֶת, though appearing in only three verses, opens a vista on the character of God: meticulous in record, tender in mercy, exact in judgment. The writing case at the scribe’s side reminds every generation that the Lord both inscribes and erases, sealing His people for life while documenting the fate of the unrepentant. Forms and Transliterations הַקֶּ֙סֶת֙ הקסת וְקֶ֥סֶת וקסת קֶ֥סֶת קסת hakKeset haq·qe·seṯ haqqeseṯ Keset qe·seṯ qeseṯ veKeset wə·qe·seṯ wəqeseṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 9:2 HEB: לָבֻ֣שׁ בַּדִּ֔ים וְקֶ֥סֶת הַסֹּפֵ֖ר בְּמָתְנָ֑יו NAS: with a writing case at his loins. KJV: with a writer's inkhorn by his side: INT: clothed linen case A writer's his loins Ezekiel 9:3 Ezekiel 9:11 3 Occurrences |
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