Lexical Summary rattoq: Chain, shackle Original Word: רַתּוֹק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chain From rathaq; a chain -- chain. see HEBREW rathaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rathaq Definition a chain NASB Translation chain (1), chains (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רַתּוֺק noun [masculine] chain (on form Lag BN 89); — absolute ׳עֲשֵׂה הָר Ezekiel 7:23, i.e. for captives, but very dubious; Co עָרֹה וּבָקוֺק, Krae עשֵֹׁי הַבַּתּוֺק (׳ב = Assyrian butâ‡u, obstruction); hence perhaps also plural construct רֵתּוּקוֺת זָהָב 1 Kings 3:21 Qr (Kt רתיקות), chains of gold before the דְּבִיד in temple. רַתּוּקוֺת, רתיקות see foregoing. רתת (√ of foll; Late Hebrew רָתַת, Aramaic רְתַת, Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery Rattoq denotes a forged chain or fetter fashioned to restrain a captive. The word evokes heaviness, inflexibility, and loss of freedom: iron links hammered together to bind wrists or ankles. In prophetic literature the image functions not only as a literal instrument of captivity but also as a stark symbol of divine judgment. Biblical Context: Ezekiel 7:23 “Forge the chain, for the land is filled with crimes of blood, and the city is full of violence.” (Ezekiel 7:23) In admonishing Judah, Ezekiel commands a blacksmith to prepare restraints in advance, underscoring the certainty of exile. Those who once coveted autonomy will be led away shackled by the very links they compelled the artisan to prepare. The verse sits within Ezekiel’s first major oracle (Ezekiel 7:1–27) where “the end” is repeatedly announced; the chain thus epitomizes irreversible judgment. Historical Background Ezekiel ministered among deportees in Babylon, circa 593–571 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar had already carried off a first wave of captives (2 Kings 24:10–16), and a final wave would follow after 586 B.C. Chains were standard equipment for transporting prisoners of war (2 Chronicles 33:11; Jeremiah 40:1). By commanding that chains be forged beforehand, the Lord highlighted the moral causality behind Israel’s suffering: bloodshed and pervasive violence demanded retribution. Theological Significance 1. Divine Justice: Rattoq illustrates that God’s holiness necessitates punishment for unrepented sin (Ezekiel 7:8–9). Pastoral and Ministry Application • Warning: Rattoq urges preachers to confront violence and bloodguilt, reminding hearers that sin reaps bondage (Romans 6:16). Related Biblical Themes • Chains as Discipline: Job 36:8–9 portrays chains designed to bring sinners to repentance. Christological and Eschatological Connections Jesus submitted to arrest and binding (Matthew 27:2), taking the chain of judgment upon Himself so His people might be free. Revelation 20:1–3 depicts an angel binding Satan with a great chain, assuring believers that ultimate bondage will confine evil, not the righteous. Thus rattoq, the chain of judgment in Ezekiel, anticipates both the atoning work of Christ and the final subjugation of evil. Forms and Transliterations הָֽרַתּ֑וֹק הרתוק hā·rat·tō·wq haratTok hārattōwqLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 7:23 HEB: עֲשֵׂ֖ה הָֽרַתּ֑וֹק כִּ֣י הָאָ֗רֶץ NAS: Make the chain, for the land is full KJV: it.Make a chain: for the land is full INT: Make the chain for the land 1 Occurrence |
    |
, all tremble; compare רטט)