Ezekiel 17:9

So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Will it flourish? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels? All its foliage will wither! It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots.

Study Bible

Say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew word for "say" (אָמַר, 'amar) is often used in prophetic literature to denote the transmission of God's message through His prophets. The phrase underscores the role of Ezekiel as a mouthpiece for God, conveying not his own words, but the divine will. This introduction sets the tone for the seriousness and certainty of the message that follows.

Will it thrive?
The question posed here is rhetorical, intended to provoke reflection on the fate of the vine, which symbolizes the kingdom of Judah. The Hebrew root for "thrive" (צָלַח, tsalach) conveys the idea of prospering or succeeding. Historically, this reflects the precarious political situation of Judah, which sought alliances with foreign powers rather than relying on God. The question challenges the audience to consider the futility of seeking prosperity apart from divine blessing.

Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it withers?
This imagery of uprooting and withering is rich in agricultural metaphor, common in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "uprooted" (נָתַשׁ, natash) suggests a violent removal, indicating the impending judgment and exile. "Stripped of its fruit" implies a loss of productivity and blessing, a direct consequence of disobedience. The withering of the vine serves as a vivid picture of the spiritual and national decline that results from forsaking God.

All its new shoots will wither
The "new shoots" symbolize the future generations and potential growth of the nation. The Hebrew term for "shoots" (יֹנֵקָה, yoneqah) refers to young, tender branches, indicating vulnerability. The withering of these shoots signifies the end of hope for renewal or restoration under the current rebellious conditions. This serves as a warning that without repentance, even the future prospects of the nation are doomed.

It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by the roots
This phrase highlights the ease with which God can execute judgment. The "strong arm" (זְרוֹעַ חֲזָקָה, zeroa chazaqah) is often associated with God's power in delivering Israel, but here it underscores the simplicity of His judgment. The mention of "many people" suggests that the downfall of Judah will not require a large army or great effort, emphasizing the inevitability and swiftness of divine retribution. This serves as a sobering reminder of God's omnipotence and the futility of resisting His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the mouthpiece of God, delivering messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel, emphasizing His control over nations and their destinies.

3. The Vine
Symbolic of the kingdom of Judah, which is under judgment for its unfaithfulness and political alliances contrary to God's will.

4. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and took its people into exile, representing God's instrument of judgment.

5. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who broke his covenant with Babylon, leading to the kingdom's downfall.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of nations and their leaders. He can uproot and plant according to His will. We must trust in His sovereign plans rather than our own understanding.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Just as the vine withers due to unfaithfulness, our spiritual lives can suffer when we turn away from God. Faithfulness to God is crucial for spiritual vitality.

The Importance of Covenant
Breaking covenants, whether with God or others, leads to consequences. We are called to be people of integrity, honoring our commitments.

Dependence on God
The imagery of the vine reminds us that our strength and ability to thrive come from God. We must remain connected to Him to bear fruit.

Judgment and Hope
While this passage speaks of judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who return to God. Repentance and faithfulness can lead to renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the vine in Ezekiel 17:9 relate to the concept of spiritual fruitfulness in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to His control over the nations in Ezekiel's time?

3. Reflect on a time when breaking a commitment led to negative consequences. How can this passage guide us in maintaining our commitments?

4. How does the concept of being "uprooted" apply to our personal spiritual lives, and what steps can we take to remain firmly planted in God?

5. Considering the hope of restoration in the broader context of Ezekiel, how can we apply this hope to situations of personal or communal failure?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 2:21
This verse also uses the imagery of a vine to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, highlighting the nation's failure to live up to its calling.

John 15:1-6
Jesus uses the vine metaphor to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers, emphasizing the importance of remaining in Him to bear fruit.

Isaiah 5:1-7
The Song of the Vineyard, where God laments over Israel's failure to produce good fruit despite His care and provision.