Ezekiel 16:13
Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
Ezekiel 16:13 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the imagery describes a period of prosperity and abundance for a specific kingdom. The use of luxurious materials such as gold, silver, fine linen, silk, and broidered work evokes a sense of opulence and wealth. The mention of fine flour, honey, and oil signifies a time of plenty and prosperity, highlighting the richness of the kingdom. The description of being "exceeding beautiful" further emphasizes the idea of flourishing and success. The verse paints a picture of a kingdom that was adorned with the finest things and enjoyed great prosperity, ultimately thriving and becoming a powerful nation. This imagery serves to illustrate how the kingdom was blessed and had everything it needed to thrive and succeed. As a result, it provides a visual representation of the kingdom's success and wealth during this period.
Theological Overview
The verse describes the splendor and prosperity of a kingdom. The use of luxurious materials such as gold, silver, fine linen, silk, and finely crafted decorations suggests opulence and wealth. The mention of fine flour, honey, and oil highlights abundance and provision, adding to the imagery of prosperity. The beauty and success of the kingdom are emphasized through the description of being "exceedingly beautiful" and "prospering into a kingdom." The use of such vivid details and sensory imagery in the verse creates a picture of a prosperous and flourishing kingdom that is abundant in riches and beauty. The theological interpretation of this verse may focus on the idea of God's provision and blessing upon His people when they walk in obedience and righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the rewards of faithfulness and the blessings that come from following God's ways.
Ezekiel 16:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil; and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper unto royal estate.
World English Bible
Thus you were decked with gold and silver; and your clothing was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered work; you ate fine flour, and honey, and oil; and you were exceeding beautiful, and you prospered to royal estate.
Douay-Rheims
And thou wast adorned with gold, and silver, and wast clothed with fine linen, and embroidered work, and many colours: thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil, and wast made exceeding beautiful: and wast advanced to be a queen.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus wast thou deckt with gold and siluer, and thy rayment was of fine linen, and silke, and broydred worke: thou didest eate fine floure, and honie and oyle, and thou wast very beautifull, and thou didest grow vp into a kingdome.