◄ Ezekiel 17 ►
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The Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine (Matthew 13:24–30) 1Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel 3and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions,a full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. 4He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it to the land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders. 5He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil;b he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow. 6It sprouted and became a spreading vine, low in height, with branches turned toward him; yet its roots remained where it stood. So it became a vine and yielded branches and sent out shoots. 7But 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. 8It had been planted in good soil by abundant waters in order to yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.’ 9So 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. 10Even if it is transplanted, will it flourish? Will it not completely wither when the east wind strikes? It will wither on the bed where it sprouted.’” The Parable Explained 11Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12“Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon. 13He took a member of the royal familyc and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, 14so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant. 15But 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?’ 16‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke. 17Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. 18He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’ 19Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. 20I will spread My net over him and catch him in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there for the treason he committed against Me. 21All his choice troopsd will fall by the sword, and those who survive will be scattered to every wind. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken.’ 22This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches. 24Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’” Footnotes: 3 a Pinions are the outer parts of a bird’s wings, including the flight feathers. 5 b Hebrew in a field of seed 13 c Hebrew the royal seed 21 d Many Hebrew manuscripts; MT All his fleeing troops Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ezekiel 17 Summary The Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine Verses 1–2 – Calling for a Riddle God tells Ezekiel to present a puzzling account that will demand careful thought. Verses 3–6 – The First Eagle and the Cedar Cutting A magnificent eagle plucks the top shoot of a cedar in Lebanon, carries it to a land of merchants, and plants it in rich soil. The shoot becomes a low-spreading vine that sends its branches toward the eagle while thriving where it was set. Verses 7–8 – The Second Eagle and the Vine’s Reaching Another great eagle appears. Though already well watered, the vine turns its roots and branches toward this newcomer, seeking more help. Verses 9–10 – Inevitable Withering The Lord asks, “Will it thrive?” Uprooted and blasted by the east wind, the vine will wither; no strong arm will rescue it. Verses 11–15 – Prophetic Unveiling The riddle is explained: the first eagle is Babylon’s king, who removed Judah’s king and set up another ruler bound by oath. That ruler seeks aid from Egypt—the second eagle—breaking his covenant and sealing his fate. Verses 16–21 – Judgment for Broken Oaths The oath-breaker will be captured and die in Babylon; his forces will scatter because he despised the oath made in God’s name. Verses 22–24 – Promise of a New Cedar God Himself will take a tender sprig, plant it on Israel’s high mountain, and make it a majestic cedar sheltering every bird. “I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.” Ezekiel 17, a cryptic but richly symbolic chapter, unfolds two intriguing parables revolving around eagles and vines, which ultimately speak of God's sovereignty, the consequence of disloyalty, and the divine promise of restoration. As a prophetic message, it directly addresses Israel's relationship with Babylon and Egypt, emphasizing the critical importance of covenant-keeping and loyalty to God. Historical Background: Judah’s Last Kings • 597 BC: Nebuchadnezzar II besieges Jerusalem, deports King Jehoiachin, and appoints Zedekiah (2 Kings 24). • Zedekiah swears loyalty in God’s name (2 Chronicles 36:13) but later seeks help from Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt (Jeremiah 37). • 586 BC: Babylon crushes the revolt; Jerusalem falls. Clay tablets—Babylonian ration records—list “Yau-kînu, king of Judah,” in captivity, matching Ezekiel’s timeline. The Two Eagles and the Vine • First eagle = Nebuchadnezzar/Babylon (vast multicolored wings = empire). • Cedar = Davidic royal line; top shoot = Jehoiachin. • Fertile soil = Babylon, where Jehoiachin lives comfortably (2 Kings 25:27-30). • Vine = Zedekiah’s vassal kingdom. • Second eagle = Egypt, tempting Judah with military aid. • East wind = Babylonian attack that withers the vine. Covenant Integrity God honors covenants, even those made with pagan rulers. Breaking an oath taken in His name profanes His reputation (Leviticus 19:12). Zedekiah’s political gamble becomes spiritual rebellion. Isaiah 31:1 warns against trusting Egypt; Ezekiel’s parable proves the point. The Tender Sprig—Hope of a Better King “From the lofty top of the cedar I will take a tender sprig… and it will bear branches and produce fruit” (Ezekiel 17:22-23). • Isaiah 11:1 – “A shoot will spring from the stump of Jesse.” • Jeremiah 23:5 – God promises a righteous Branch from David’s line. • Mark 4:30-32 – Jesus likens the kingdom to a small seed becoming a great tree. The sprig points to Christ, a humble beginning that grows into worldwide refuge. Archaeological Snapshots • Babylonian Chronicles describe the 597 BC siege. • Reliefs of bound foreign kings in Nebuchadnezzar’s palace echo Ezekiel 17:20. • Seal impressions of officials like Gedaliah found at Lachish and Mizpah show Babylon’s administrative control after Jerusalem’s fall. Cross-Scripture Connections • Psalm 80:8-11 pictures Israel as a transplanted vine. • Hosea 10:13 laments trusting human strength. • Ezekiel 21:26-27 promises the crown will remain in suspense “until He comes to whom it belongs.” • Revelation 11:15 celebrates the kingdom of Christ, the fully grown cedar. Practical Takeaways • Keep your word; God treats promises as sacred. • Political cleverness without faithfulness invites disaster. • God delights in raising the humble and toppling the proud (Ezekiel 17:24). • Prophecy and archaeology together affirm the Bible’s reliability. • Judgment is never God’s final word—hope springs from seemingly dead stumps. Connections to Additional Scriptures Jeremiah 2:21 This verse parallels the imagery of a vine, illustrating Israel's unfaithfulness despite God's care. Isaiah 11:1 The prophecy of a shoot from the stump of Jesse connects with the promise of a tender sprig in Ezekiel 17, pointing to the coming Messiah. John 15:1-5 Jesus' teaching on the vine and branches echoes the theme of abiding in Him for spiritual fruitfulness and faithfulness. Teaching Points The Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine Ezekiel 17:1-10 introduces a parable where a great eagle represents Babylon, and the vine symbolizes the kingdom of Judah. This allegory highlights the political alliances and the eventual downfall of Judah due to its unfaithfulness. God's Sovereignty and Judgment In Ezekiel 17:11-21, God explains the parable, emphasizing His control over nations and His judgment upon those who break covenants. The king of Judah's rebellion against Babylon is depicted as a breach of trust, leading to inevitable consequences. The Promise of Restoration Despite the judgment, Ezekiel 17:22-24 offers hope. God promises to plant a tender sprig from the top of a cedar, symbolizing the future Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This points to God's redemptive plan and His faithfulness to His promises. Practical Applications Faithfulness in Covenants Just as Judah faced consequences for breaking its covenant, we are called to remain faithful in our commitments to God and others. Reflect on areas where you need to uphold your promises. Trust in God's Sovereignty Recognize that God is in control of all circumstances, even when situations seem dire. Trust in His ultimate plan and His ability to bring about restoration. Hope in Redemption Embrace the hope offered through Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's promise in Ezekiel 17. Let this assurance of salvation inspire you to live a life of obedience and faith. People 1. The Great Eagle This figure is described in Ezekiel 17:3-4. The great eagle with large wings and long feathers represents the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. The eagle's actions symbolize the Babylonian conquest and the taking of the king of Judah into exile. The Hebrew word for eagle, "נֶשֶׁר" (nesher), is used here to depict strength and swiftness. 2. The Cedar Tree In Ezekiel 17:3-4, the cedar tree represents the nation of Israel, specifically the royal line of David. The topmost shoot of the cedar, which the eagle plucks, symbolizes the king of Judah, Jehoiachin, who was taken into Babylonian captivity. 3. The Second Eagle Mentioned in Ezekiel 17:7, this eagle represents Egypt. The vine (Judah) turns toward this second eagle for support, symbolizing Judah's reliance on Egypt for help against Babylon. The Hebrew term "נֶשֶׁר" (nesher) is again used, indicating another powerful nation. 4. The Vine The vine in Ezekiel 17:6-8 symbolizes the kingdom of Judah under Zedekiah, who was installed as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar. The vine's attempt to seek help from the second eagle (Egypt) represents Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon by seeking Egyptian assistance. Places 1. Lebanon In Ezekiel 17:3, Lebanon is mentioned in the context of a great eagle taking the top of a cedar. Lebanon is known for its majestic cedar trees, which are often used symbolically in the Bible to represent strength and majesty. The Hebrew word for Lebanon is "לְבָנוֹן" (Levanon). 2. Babylon While not explicitly named in the chapter, Babylon is implied in the allegory of the two eagles and the vine. The first eagle represents the king of Babylon, who takes the top of the cedar (symbolizing the king of Judah) to Babylon. The historical context of the passage involves the Babylonian exile. 3. Jerusalem Again, not directly named in the chapter, but Jerusalem is the implied location of the "vine" that is planted and later uprooted. The vine represents the kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim). Events 1. The Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine The chapter begins with a parable delivered by the prophet Ezekiel. "The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel.'" (Ezekiel 17:1-2). The parable involves two great eagles and a vine, symbolizing political alliances and betrayals. 2. The First Eagle and the Cedar The first eagle, described as "great with great wings, long pinions, and full of feathers of many colors," represents the king of Babylon. It comes to Lebanon and takes the top of a cedar, symbolizing the deportation of the Judean king and nobles to Babylon (Ezekiel 17:3-4). 3. Planting of the Seed The eagle plants a seed in fertile soil, which grows into a low-spreading vine. This represents the establishment of a vassal kingdom in Judah under Zedekiah, who is expected to remain loyal to Babylon (Ezekiel 17:5-6). 4. The Second Eagle Another great eagle appears, symbolizing Egypt. The vine bends its roots toward this eagle, seeking support and breaking its covenant with Babylon (Ezekiel 17:7-8). 5. The Vine's Fate The LORD questions whether the vine will thrive after turning to the second eagle. The vine is destined to wither, symbolizing the failure of Judah's alliance with Egypt and the impending judgment (Ezekiel 17:9-10). 6. Interpretation of the Parable God provides the interpretation of the parable, explaining that the first eagle is Nebuchadnezzar, who took Jehoiachin to Babylon and made Zedekiah king. Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon by seeking Egyptian help is condemned (Ezekiel 17:11-15). 7. Judgment Pronounced God declares that Zedekiah will not succeed in his rebellion. He will be captured and brought to Babylon, where he will face judgment for breaking the covenant (Ezekiel 17:16-21). 8. Promise of Restoration Despite the judgment, God promises to take a tender sprig from the top of the cedar and plant it on a high mountain in Israel. This represents the future restoration and establishment of a righteous kingdom under the Messiah (Ezekiel 17:22-24). Lessons from Ezekiel 17 1. The Power of Parables Ezekiel 17 opens with a parable about two eagles and a vine, illustrating how God uses stories to convey profound truths. Parables engage our imagination and invite us to explore deeper meanings. Jesus often used parables, and here, God uses one to reveal His plans and purposes. As Ezekiel 17:2 says, "Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel." This reminds us of the power of storytelling in sharing the Gospel and teaching biblical truths. 2. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The chapter highlights God's control over the rise and fall of nations. The first eagle represents Babylon, which God uses to discipline Israel. This serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all earthly powers. As Proverbs 21:1 states, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." Trust in God's ultimate authority, knowing He orchestrates history according to His divine plan. 3. The Consequences of Broken Promises Ezekiel 17:15 warns against breaking covenants, as Zedekiah did with Babylon. "But he rebelled against him by sending his envoys to Egypt to obtain horses and a large army." This teaches us the importance of integrity and keeping our promises. As followers of Christ, our word should reflect His truthfulness, reminding us to be faithful in our commitments. 4. The Futility of Trusting in Human Strength Zedekiah's reliance on Egypt instead of God illustrates the futility of trusting in human strength. Ezekiel 17:17 states, "Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company will not help him in war." This lesson encourages us to place our trust in God rather than in worldly powers or alliances. As Psalm 20:7 reminds us, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." 5. God's Justice and Righteousness God's response to Zedekiah's rebellion demonstrates His commitment to justice. Ezekiel 17:19 declares, "As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will bring down on his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke." This assures us that God is just and will hold us accountable for our actions. It is a call to live righteously, knowing that God sees and judges all. 6. The Hope of Restoration Despite the judgment, God promises restoration. Ezekiel 17:22-23 speaks of a tender sprig that will grow into a majestic cedar. "I Myself will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar and plant it." This points to the hope of renewal and the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who brings salvation and restoration to all who believe. 7. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The prophecy of the sprig becoming a great tree underscores God's faithfulness. He fulfills His promises, no matter how impossible they seem. As 2 Corinthians 1:20 affirms, "For all the promises of God are 'Yes' in Christ." This encourages us to trust in God's promises, knowing He is faithful to complete what He has begun. 8. The Importance of Humility Ezekiel 17:24 highlights the reversal of fortunes, where the low tree is exalted, and the high tree is brought low. "I bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall." This teaches us the value of humility, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Let us walk humbly with our God, knowing He lifts the humble in due time. 9. God's Glory Revealed Through His Works The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's glory. Ezekiel 17:24 states, "All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall." God's actions reveal His glory and power, reminding us that our lives should reflect His glory. As we live for Him, others will see His greatness through us. 10. The Call to Repentance and Faith Ultimately, Ezekiel 17 calls us to repentance and faith. The chapter's lessons urge us to turn from our ways and trust in God's plan. As Acts 3:19 encourages, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, and live a life that honors Him, knowing He is the source of true life and hope. Topics 1. The Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine This section introduces a parable involving two eagles and a vine. The first eagle represents the king of Babylon, who takes a branch from the top of a cedar and plants it in a city of merchants. The vine, representing the kingdom of Judah, initially flourishes under the first eagle but later turns to a second eagle, symbolizing Egypt, seeking help. This parable is a metaphor for the political alliances and betrayals of Judah. ^Ezekiel 17:3-4 :^ "Say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar." 2. Interpretation of the Parable God provides the interpretation of the parable, explaining that the first eagle is Nebuchadnezzar, who took Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, to Babylon. The vine's turning to the second eagle represents Judah's rebellion by seeking an alliance with Egypt. This act of rebellion is seen as a breach of the covenant with Babylon. ^Ezekiel 17:12-13 :^ "Say now to the rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, took its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon." 3. Judgment for Breaking the Covenant God declares judgment on Judah for breaking the covenant with Babylon. The consequences of seeking help from Egypt instead of relying on God are highlighted. The Hebrew root for "covenant" (בְּרִית, ^berit^) emphasizes the seriousness of this breach. ^Ezekiel 17:19 :^ "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down on his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke." 4. Promise of Restoration Despite the judgment, God promises future restoration. He will take a tender sprig from the top of the cedar and plant it on a high mountain, symbolizing the establishment of a new, righteous kingdom. This is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to the coming of Christ. ^Ezekiel 17:22-23 :^ "This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar and plant it. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain." Themes 1. Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine This theme introduces a parable involving two eagles and a vine, symbolizing the political alliances and betrayals of Israel. The first eagle represents Babylon, which takes a top branch from a cedar (symbolizing the king of Judah) and plants it in a fertile land. The second eagle represents Egypt, to whom the vine (Judah) turns for support. This parable is a metaphor for Judah's political maneuverings and reliance on foreign powers rather than God. 2. Divine Judgment and Sovereignty The theme of divine judgment is evident as God declares His sovereignty over the nations and His intention to punish Judah for its unfaithfulness. In Ezekiel 17:19, God states, "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down on his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke.’" This underscores the seriousness of breaking covenants and the certainty of divine retribution. 3. Restoration and Hope Despite the judgment, there is a theme of restoration and hope. God promises to take a tender sprig from the top of the cedar and plant it on a high mountain in Israel, where it will grow into a majestic cedar. Ezekiel 17:22-23 says, "I Myself will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar and set it out. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain." This symbolizes the future restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah, who will establish a kingdom of righteousness. 4. Faithfulness to God’s Covenant The theme of faithfulness to God's covenant is central, as the chapter highlights the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for covenant, "בְּרִית" (berit), emphasizes the binding agreement between God and His people, which they have violated. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands and the dire consequences of turning away. 5. God’s Ultimate Plan and Purpose The final theme is the assurance of God's ultimate plan and purpose. Despite human failures and political intrigues, God's purposes will prevail. Ezekiel 17:24 concludes with, "Then all the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it." This emphasizes God's control over history and His ability to fulfill His promises. Prayer Points Pray for Faithfulness Ask God to help you remain faithful in your commitments and to strengthen your resolve to uphold His covenants. Seek Trust in God's Plan Pray for a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially in challenging times, and for the wisdom to discern His will. Hope in Christ's Redemption Thank God for the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ, and pray for the courage to share this message with others. As we study Ezekiel 17, may we be reminded of God's faithfulness, His sovereign control, and the hope we have in Christ. Let these truths transform our lives and deepen our relationship with Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Ezekiel 17:3–4, how can the imagery of a great eagle plucking off the top of a cedar be reconciled with actual historical events or natural realities? 2. Does Ezekiel 17:12–15’s account of Zedekiah’s rebellion against Babylon conflict with the historical timeline recorded in 2 Kings 24–25? 3. Why does the prophecy in Ezekiel 17:22–23 about planting a tender twig on a “high and lofty mountain” seem scientifically implausible, given real plant growth conditions? 4. How can Ezekiel 17:6’s description of the vine thriving and then withering be verified historically or archaeologically, if at all? 5. Why do historical records show dominant powers rising despite Ezekiel 17:24's promise that God will bring down the high and exalt the low? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Ezekiel 17 illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands? 2. How can we apply the lessons of loyalty from Ezekiel 17 in our modern relationships, both personal and professional? 3. How does the symbol of the vine in the parable relate to other biblical uses of this symbol? 4. What parallels can you draw between the Israelites seeking help from Egypt and modern instances where individuals or nations trust in their own strategies rather than God? 5. In what ways does the judgment and redemption depicted in Ezekiel 17 offer hope for personal transformation today? 6. How can the concept of covenant-keeping shown in this chapter be reflected in our everyday commitments? 7. How does God's promise to plant and nurture the cedar on a high mountain reflect His faithfulness? 8. How might the consequences faced by the King of Israel for breaking his covenant with Babylon apply to breaking commitments in present-day living? 9. How does the final parable of the cedar reaffirm God's plan for the Messiah? 10. In what ways can the message of Ezekiel 17 provide guidance when we're tempted to rely on human resources rather than on God? 11. How does the symbolism of birds finding shelter in the branches of the cedar relate to God's Kingdom? 12. Can you identify a time when you, like the vine, leaned towards an unhelpful source of support instead of God? How did that experience shape your faith journey? 13. How can the act of God making the low tree high and drying up the green tree (verse 24) be applied to societal structures today? 14. How can the themes in Ezekiel 17 help us understand and address social justice issues today? 15. How does God’s judgment and mercy presented in this chapter inform our understanding of God’s character? 16. How might the warnings and promises in Ezekiel 17 influence our prayer life? 17. How does the understanding of God’s sovereignty in Ezekiel 17 provide comfort in times of uncertainty? 18. How does Ezekiel’s role as a prophet in this chapter inspire us in sharing God’s word today? 19. How can the imagery of growth and restoration in this chapter influence our perspective on personal growth and renewal? 20. In light of Ezekiel 17, how can we cultivate a faithful and obedient heart towards God? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions