Ezekiel 17:7

But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from its planting bed, so that he might water it.

Study Bible

another great eagle
In the context of Ezekiel 17, the "great eagle" symbolizes a powerful nation or ruler. The first eagle in the parable represents Babylon, specifically King Nebuchadnezzar. The "another great eagle" here is often interpreted as Egypt, a nation that Judah sought alliance with against Babylon. Historically, Egypt was a significant power in the ancient Near East, often in conflict or alliance with Israel. The Hebrew word for "eagle" (נֶשֶׁר, nesher) is used metaphorically to denote strength and swiftness, characteristics attributed to both Babylon and Egypt in their political and military might.

with great wings and many feathers
The description of the eagle having "great wings and many feathers" emphasizes its power and majesty. In ancient symbolism, wings often represent the ability to cover great distances swiftly, indicating the far-reaching influence of the nation. The "many feathers" could symbolize the diversity and wealth of the nation, as feathers can be seen as a sign of beauty and splendor. This imagery suggests that Egypt, like Babylon, was a formidable force with extensive resources and influence.

And behold, this vine
The "vine" in Ezekiel's parable represents the kingdom of Judah. In biblical symbolism, Israel is often depicted as a vine or vineyard, as seen in passages like Isaiah 5 and Psalm 80. The vine's health and fruitfulness are contingent upon its relationship with God, the true vinedresser. Here, the vine's actions are pivotal, as they reflect Judah's political maneuvering and spiritual state.

bent its roots toward him
The act of the vine bending its roots toward the second eagle signifies Judah's attempt to seek support and sustenance from Egypt. In a spiritual sense, roots represent foundational trust and reliance. By turning its roots toward Egypt, Judah was placing its trust in human alliances rather than in God. This action is a metaphor for misplaced trust and a departure from reliance on divine providence.

stretched out its branches to him for water
Branches reaching out for water symbolize a desire for sustenance and growth. Water is a vital resource for a vine, representing life and nourishment. In seeking water from Egypt, Judah was looking for political and military support to sustain itself against Babylon. This reflects a broader biblical theme where reliance on foreign powers is often portrayed as a lack of faith in God's provision and protection.

away from the plot where it was planted
The phrase "away from the plot where it was planted" indicates a departure from the place of original blessing and provision. God had planted Judah in its land, intending it to flourish under His care. By seeking sustenance elsewhere, Judah was moving away from its God-given position and purpose. This act of turning away is symbolic of spiritual unfaithfulness and rebellion, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature where Israel is called to return to its covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book and the one delivering God's message through parables and visions.

2. The Great Eagle
Symbolic representation of a powerful nation or king. In the context of Ezekiel 17, the first eagle represents Babylon, and the second eagle represents Egypt.

3. The Vine
Represents the kingdom of Judah, specifically its leadership, which sought alliances with foreign powers instead of relying on God.

4. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and took its people into exile. It is symbolized by the first great eagle in the parable.

5. Egypt
The nation that Judah turned to for help against Babylon, symbolized by the second great eagle.

Teaching Points

Trust in God, Not in Man
The vine's turning towards the second eagle represents misplaced trust. Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in human alliances or solutions.

Consequences of Disobedience
Judah's actions led to further judgment. This serves as a warning that disobedience and reliance on worldly powers can lead to negative consequences.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Judah's attempts to secure its future through alliances, God's sovereign plan prevails. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God's purposes will ultimately be fulfilled.

Spiritual Adultery
Seeking help from Egypt was akin to spiritual adultery for Judah. Christians are encouraged to remain faithful to God and avoid idolatry in any form.

Repentance and Restoration
While the parable warns of judgment, it also implies the possibility of repentance and restoration. Believers are encouraged to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the vine and the eagle in Ezekiel 17:7 help us understand the consequences of Judah's political alliances?

2. In what ways do we, like the vine, sometimes turn away from God to seek help from worldly sources? How can we correct this tendency?

3. How does the message of Ezekiel 17:7 relate to the broader theme of trust in God found throughout the Bible?

4. What are some modern-day "eagles" that we might be tempted to rely on instead of God? How can we ensure our trust remains in Him?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did trusting in God rather than human solutions impact the outcome? How can this experience guide your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 2:18
This verse highlights Judah's reliance on foreign powers like Egypt instead of trusting in God, similar to the vine turning towards the second eagle.

Isaiah 30:1-2
These verses warn against forming alliances without seeking God's guidance, paralleling Judah's actions in Ezekiel 17.

Psalm 80:8-11
This passage uses the imagery of a vine to describe Israel, providing a broader biblical context for understanding the symbolism in Ezekiel 17.