Ezekiel 7:23

Make a chain the chain. The chain could only be for binding the captives to carry them into exile. In Isaiah 40:19 a similar word is used for the silver chains with which the idols were fastened to the wall lest they should totter or fall; and in Nahum 3:10 the verb is rendered "were bound" with chains (another word, Jeremiah 40:1). If the reading be correct the sense is not doubtful. It must be confessed, however, that nothing in the text suggests any reference to chains. LXX. connects with the preceding (so Syr.) and reads: and they shall work disorder (defilement). Corn. suggests two inf. abs. (after Ezekiel 23:46), viz. raze and empty out! (cf. Psalms 137:7; Isaiah 24:1). Curiously neither of the words is used by Ezekiel. The present reading is scarcely original.