Ezekiel 17:15

But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?'

Study Bible

But he rebelled against him
This phrase refers to Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, who rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The Hebrew root for "rebelled" is "מָרַד" (marad), which conveys a sense of defiance and disobedience. Historically, this rebellion was a significant event, as it led to the final siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Zedekiah's rebellion was not just a political act but a spiritual one, as it represented a failure to trust in God's sovereignty and a breach of the covenant made with Babylon under God's allowance.

sending his envoys to Egypt
Zedekiah's decision to send envoys to Egypt for military assistance highlights a reliance on human alliances rather than on God. The historical context here is crucial; Egypt was a powerful nation, often seen as a potential ally against Babylonian dominance. However, this move was contrary to God's instructions through the prophets, who warned against seeking help from Egypt. The Hebrew word for "envoys" is "מַלְאָכִים" (mal'akhim), which can also mean "messengers," indicating an official diplomatic mission.

to obtain horses and a great army
The desire to obtain "horses and a great army" underscores a dependence on military might rather than divine protection. In the ancient Near East, horses were symbols of strength and military power. The Hebrew word for "horses" is "סוּסִים" (susim), and it often appears in contexts where trust in military power is contrasted with trust in God. This phrase serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on worldly power when God has not sanctioned such alliances.

Will he prosper?
This rhetorical question challenges the wisdom of Zedekiah's actions. The Hebrew root for "prosper" is "צָלַח" (tsalach), which means to succeed or thrive. The question implies that true prosperity and success come from obedience to God, not from political maneuvering or military alliances. It invites reflection on the nature of true success, which, from a biblical perspective, is aligned with God's will and purposes.

Will he who does such things escape?
This phrase emphasizes the inevitability of divine justice. The Hebrew root for "escape" is "מָלַט" (malat), suggesting deliverance or being spared. The rhetorical nature of the question implies that Zedekiah's actions will not go unpunished. It serves as a warning that rebellion against God's ordained order and reliance on human strength will lead to consequences.

Can he break a covenant and yet escape?
The concept of "covenant" is central to biblical theology. The Hebrew word for "covenant" is "בְּרִית" (berit), signifying a solemn agreement or promise. Zedekiah's breaking of the covenant with Babylon, which was made under God's allowance, is symbolic of breaking faith with God Himself. This phrase underscores the seriousness of covenant-breaking and the certainty of accountability before God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our commitments, both to God and to others.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, by seeking an alliance with Egypt.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who had installed Zedekiah as a vassal king in Judah.

3. Egypt
The nation to which Zedekiah turned for military support against Babylon, symbolizing reliance on worldly powers rather than God.

4. Covenant
The agreement between Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar, which Zedekiah broke by seeking help from Egypt.

5. Prophet Ezekiel
The messenger of God who delivered this parable and prophecy, warning of the consequences of breaking covenants.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Breaking Covenants
Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar illustrates the serious consequences of breaking covenants, both human and divine. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity, honoring our commitments.

Reliance on God vs. Worldly Powers
Zedekiah's reliance on Egypt instead of God serves as a cautionary tale. We must examine where we place our trust and ensure it is in God rather than worldly solutions.

The Importance of Obedience
This passage highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of seeking our own solutions outside of His will.

Prophetic Warnings
Ezekiel's role as a prophet reminds us of the importance of heeding God's warnings through Scripture and His messengers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the consequences of Zedekiah's decision to seek help from Egypt, and how does this apply to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the breaking of covenants in Ezekiel 17:15 relate to the importance of keeping our commitments in personal and spiritual relationships?

3. In what ways do we sometimes rely on "Egypt" (worldly solutions) instead of trusting in God, and how can we shift our focus back to Him?

4. How can we discern and respond to prophetic warnings in our lives today, similar to those given by Ezekiel?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How did your faith influence your choice, and what can you learn from Zedekiah's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24-25
Provides historical context for Zedekiah's reign and rebellion against Babylon.

Jeremiah 37-38
Offers insight into the political and spiritual climate of Judah during Zedekiah's reign, including his interactions with the prophet Jeremiah.

Isaiah 30:1-5
Warns against relying on Egypt for help, emphasizing trust in God rather than foreign alliances.

Psalm 146:3
Advises against putting trust in princes or mortal men, reinforcing the theme of reliance on God.