Ezekiel 17:3

and tell them that 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.

Study Bible

A great eagle
The "great eagle" symbolizes a powerful and majestic entity, often interpreted as representing a mighty king or empire. In the context of Ezekiel, this is commonly understood to refer to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The eagle, a bird of prey, signifies strength, swiftness, and dominance. In Hebrew, the word for eagle is "נֶשֶׁר" (nesher), which is often associated with kingship and divine judgment. The imagery of an eagle is used throughout the Bible to depict God's sovereign power and the execution of His will.

with great wings and long pinions
The description of the eagle having "great wings and long pinions" emphasizes its vast reach and capability. Wings in biblical symbolism often denote protection, speed, and the ability to cover great distances. The "long pinions" suggest endurance and the ability to sustain flight over long periods, indicating the far-reaching influence and control of the Babylonian empire. This imagery serves to remind the Israelites of the formidable power they are up against, yet also of God's ultimate control over all nations.

full of feathers of many colors
The phrase "full of feathers of many colors" suggests diversity and richness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, colorful plumage could symbolize wealth, splendor, and the multifaceted nature of an empire. This could imply the diverse peoples and cultures under Babylon's dominion. The multicolored feathers also reflect the complexity and allure of worldly power, which can be both captivating and deceptive.

came to Lebanon
Lebanon, known for its majestic cedars, represents a place of beauty and strength. In biblical times, Lebanon was famous for its cedar trees, which were highly valued for construction, including the building of Solomon's Temple. The mention of Lebanon here is significant as it symbolizes the land of Israel, particularly the royal house of David. The eagle's coming to Lebanon indicates an invasion or intervention by a foreign power into the affairs of Israel.

and took away the top of the cedar
The "top of the cedar" refers to the highest and most prominent part of the tree, symbolizing the leadership or the king of Israel. In this context, it likely refers to King Jehoiachin, who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar. The act of taking away the top signifies the removal of the ruling authority and the disruption of the Davidic line. This serves as a warning of the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and a reminder of God's sovereignty in raising and deposing kings according to His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Great Eagle
Symbolizes a powerful king or nation. In the context of Ezekiel 17, it represents Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who had significant influence and power.

2. Lebanon
Known for its majestic cedars, Lebanon here symbolizes the land of Israel, particularly its leadership and nobility.

3. The Cedar
Represents the royal line of David, specifically the leadership of Judah. The top of the cedar being taken away signifies the removal of the king or the nobility.

4. Ezekiel
The prophet who delivers God's message through this parable. He is tasked with conveying God's judgment and hope to the exiled Israelites.

5. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God who orchestrates the events described in the parable, demonstrating His control over nations and kings.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The imagery of the great eagle and the cedar highlights God's control over the rise and fall of nations and leaders. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority and plan, even amidst political turmoil.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The removal of the top of the cedar serves as a warning of the consequences of Israel's disobedience. It reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.

Hope in Restoration
While the parable begins with judgment, it ultimately points to God's promise of restoration. This encourages believers to hold onto hope, knowing that God can bring renewal and redemption.

The Importance of Leadership
The focus on the cedar's top being taken away underscores the significance of godly leadership. It challenges us to pray for and support leaders who seek to honor God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the great eagle and the cedar help us understand God's sovereignty over world events today?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of disobedience in our own lives, and how can we seek God's forgiveness and restoration?

3. How does the promise of restoration in Ezekiel 17 encourage us in times of personal or communal hardship?

4. What qualities should we look for in leaders, both in the church and in society, based on the lessons from this passage?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Ezekiel 17 to our prayer life, particularly in praying for our nation and its leaders?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 4
The imagery of a great tree being cut down parallels the removal of leadership and the humbling of a powerful king, similar to Nebuchadnezzar's experience.

Jeremiah 22
This passage speaks of the judgment on the house of David, aligning with the symbolism of the cedar being taken away.

Isaiah 10
The use of trees and forests as metaphors for nations and leaders is a common biblical motif, illustrating God's sovereignty over them.