Book of Ezekiel: Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of Ezekiel follows God telling and explaining to Ezekiel the parable of the eagle and the vines. This parable will describe the politics of Israel’s conquest by Babylon, the new appointed King Zedekiah and his attempt to break Israel’s treaty with Babylon.
The parable of the eagle and the vines involves two eagles. The first one takes the top of a great cedar tree, removes it from its home, and plants a new seedling in its place. This first part of the parable describes the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar (the eagle) removing King Jehoiachin (the cedar) from Israel and replacing him with King Zedekiah (the seedling).
The second portion of the parable describes a second eagle, swooping down and taking the (now grown) seedling away. This second part of the parable shows how King Zedekiah will break his treaty with Babylon and instead ally with Egypt (the second eagle). This allegiance instead proves tragic as it causes the Babylonians to return to destroy Jerusalem.
This chapter of Ezekiel ends on a positive note. After God explains the parable of the eagle and the vines, He proceeds to speak of another tree that God will plant for Israel. God describes how this new tree will become majestic and have its branches shelter many many inhabitants. This tree that God refers to is the coming of Jesus Christ. This prophesy likens Jesus to a great protective tree that will bring many shelter.
Key Verses:
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says:‘I will take a branch from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant on it the top of Israel’s highest mountain. It will become a majestic cedar, sending forth its branches and producing seed. Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter in the shade of its branches.’” ~ Ezekiel 17:22-23 NLT
Questions to ponder:
- How does the prophecy of the eagle and the vines compare Jeremiah’s prophecies?
- To whom, or where, do you turn when you need shelter?
