### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rattôwq**, represented by `{{H7569}}`, literally means a **chain**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single appearance highly significant for its context. The word is derived from a root meaning to bind, and it serves as a powerful symbol of captivity and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H7569}}` is in [[Ezekiel 7:23]], where the prophet is commanded, "Make a **chain**". This command is given as a direct response to the state of the nation, which is described as a **land** `{{H776}}` that is **full** `{{H4390}}` of **bloody** `{{H1818}}` **crimes** `{{H4941}}` and a **city** `{{H5892}}` that is **full** `{{H4390}}` of **violence** `{{H2555}}`. The **chain**, therefore, symbolizes impending judgment and captivity for the people's transgressions.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context in [[Ezekiel 7:23]] highlight the reasons for this judgment:
* `{{H2555}}` **châmâç** (violence): This term describes the **violence** and cruelty that filled the city. It points to widespread injustice and wrongdoing, which God saves his people from [[2 Samuel 22:3]] but hates in the wicked [[Psalms 11:5]].
* `{{H4941}}` **mishpâṭ** (crimes): While this word can mean justice or judgment, in this context it refers to bloody **crimes** [[Ezekiel 7:23]]. It highlights the perversion of justice that has filled the land, leading to God's sentence. The word is also used to describe God's own perfect ways and judgment [[Deuteronomy 32:4]].
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (bloody): This word for **blood** underscores the severity of the sins committed. The phrase "bloody crimes" points to widespread bloodshed and guiltiness, for which an accounting is required [[Ezekiel 3:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7569}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful appearance.
* **Symbol of Captivity:** The instruction to "Make a **chain**" [[Ezekiel 7:23]] serves as a potent prophetic sign. The **chain** `{{H7569}}` is not an object of adornment but a symbol of the impending bondage and exile that will result from the people's sin.
* **Judgment for Injustice:** The reason for the **chain** is explicitly stated: the **land** `{{H776}}` is filled with **bloody** `{{H1818}}` **crimes** `{{H4941}}` and **violence** `{{H2555}}`. This directly connects the physical instrument of captivity to the moral and social decay of the nation.
* **Divine Decree:** The act of making the **chain** is a divine command to **do** or **make** `{{H6213}}` it. This indicates that the coming judgment is not accidental but a direct and purposeful sentence from God in response to the covenant-breaking actions of His people.
### Summary
In summary, **rattôwq** `{{H7569}}` provides a stark and singular image in scripture. While its literal meaning is simply a **chain**, its sole appearance in [[Ezekiel 7:23]] imbues it with profound theological weight. It stands as a symbol of divine judgment and the inevitable captivity that follows when a land becomes full of bloodshed and violence, illustrating how a tangible object can be used to represent the severe consequences of sin.
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