Chapter 17

1 Under the parable of two eagles and a vine, 11 is shewed God’s judgment upon Jerusalem for revolting from Babylon to Egypt. 22 God promiseth to plant the cedar of the gospel.

1. The word of the Lord. Another distinct communication, yet belonging to the same series of prophecies that began with the vision of chs. 8–11. Verses 12–24 enable us to determine the occasion and to fix the date of the prophecy as the time when Zedekiah was seeking Egyptian aid against Nebuchadnezzar.

2. Riddle. Heb. chidah, an enigmatic saying, translated “dark saying” in Ps. 49:4; 78:2. These passages couple the words for “riddle” and “parable” as does Ezekiel’s passage.

3. A great eagle. Literally, “the great eagle.” According to v. 12 the symbol represents “the king of Babylon” (cf. Jer. 48:40; 49:22).

Lebanon. Here poetically representing Judah. Perhaps the fact that one of Solomon’s palaces was called the “house of the forest of Lebanon” (1 Kings 7:2; 10:17, 21) suggested the symbolism here.

The highest branch. Heb. sammereth, a word occurring in the Bible only here, in v. 22, and in ch. 31:3, 10, 14. Its etymology is uncertain, but it presumably means the top of the tree. The reference is to Jehoiachin, whom Nebuchadnezzar took captive to Babylon (2 Kings 24:12).

4. Traffick. Heb. kenaФan, generally transliterated “Canaan,” but here used in its secondary sense of merchandise (see on ch. 16:29). The “land of traffick” represents Babylon (ch. 17:12).

5. The seed of the land. This was Zedekiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar made king in Jehoiachin’s place. Jehoiachin was removed, possibly because of his pro-Egyptian leanings. It was hoped that Zedekiah, a vassal of Babylon, would remain faithful to his overlord.

6. A spreading vine. The Jewish state under Zedekiah was permitted to become a fruitful and prosperous though dependent kingdom. Zedekiah had sworn to acknowledge Nebuchadnezzar’s suzerainty (2 Chron. 36:13). Nebuchadnezzar doubtless hoped that Israel as a flourishing kingdom might serve as a sort of buffer state between him and the imperialistically-minded nation of Egypt.

7. Another great eagle. Hophra, of Egypt, also called Apries (v. 15; cf. Jer. 44:30).

Toward him. Although Zedekiah had sworn allegiance to Babylon (2 Chron. 36:13; cf. Eze. 17:14), he treacherously sought the aid of Egypt. Jeremiah endeavored to dissuade Zedekiah from this Egyptian alliance (Jer. 37:7).

9. Shall it prosper? A negative answer is implied. The overtures to Egypt would result in the total destruction of Judah.

10. East wind. An appropriate symbol of the Babylonians, who dwelt to the east of Palestine. The east wind is noted for its blasting and destructive effect on plants (Job 27:21; Eze. 19:12; Hosea 13:15; Jonah 4:8).

11. Moreover. This form of expression suggests that there was probably an interval before the explanation of the parable was given. During this time the parable was to be a riddle to the people, arousing their curiosity and causing them to be more attentive when the prophet would expound its meaning to them. Truth always finds a more fruitful field in an inquiring mind.

12. What these things mean. The prophet gives a formal interpretation of the parable (vs. 12–17). “The rebellious house” doubtless included those among the exiles at Tell-abib who hoped for the success of the Egyptian alliance and the resultant downfall of the power of Babylon.

Is come. Better, “came.” The verbs following (vs. 12, 13) should also be translated by the simple past. On the interpretation see on vs. 3–10.

15. Horses. From the Eighteenth Dynasty onward chariots were standard military equipment of the Egyptian armies (see on Ex. 14:7; 1 Kings 10:28, 29; cf. 2 Chron. 12:2, 3; Isa. 31:1; 36:9).

Shall he escape? The perfidy of Zedekiah in violating the worn covenant of fealty, in addition to his other great wickedness, could not be overlooked. On the sanctity of an oath see Joshua 9; 2 Sam. 21:1, 2.

16. He shall die. See on Eze. 12:13.

17. Make for him. That is, accomplish anything of advantage, or be of service to him. A suggested correction of the text makes the phrase read “save him.”

By casting up mounts. Better, “when they cast up mounts,” that is, the Chaldeans. As it reads, the text implies that the casting up of siege mounds (see on ch. 4:2) and the building of forts were done by Pharaoh.

18. Given his hand. That is, as a pledge.

19. Mine oath. The Lord designates the oath and covenant to Nebuchadnezzar as His, doubtless because made in His name (2 Chron. 36:13). Furthermore, as the arbiter of history, the Lord planned that the Jews should at this time submit themselves to the yoke of Babylon (Jer. 27:12).

20. Spread my net. This verse is almost identical, in the first part, with ch. 12:13. See comments there.

22. I will also take. A promise of future restoration. Jehovah Himself will interpose and take a branch of the cedar and plant it upon the “mountain of the height of Israel.” The prediction is obviously concerning the Messiah.

Mountain. See Eze. 20:40; cf. Isa. 2:2–4; Micah 4:1–3.

23. All fowl of every wing. Representing the earth’s varied inhabitants (cf. Matt. 13:32), men of “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Through a remnant God planned to accomplish His original design in the call of Israel. Religious instruction was to go out from Zion, and the spiritual kingdom to extend throughout the whole world. The failure of the remnant of Israel made necessary the call to the Christian church (see 1 Peter 2:9; cf. Deut. 10:15). Its members, gathered from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, were to constitute the new nation through which God would evangelize the world (Matt. 21:33–46).

24. All the trees. That is, the surrounding nations. These would witness the restoration of the nation of Israel and would acknowledge that all power is of God, who is silently, patiently working out the purposes of His will. To every nation and individual God has assigned a task. All are permitted to occupy a place on earth to see whether they will fulfill the divine purpose (see Ed 178; PK 535, 536).

Ellen G. White comments

15–18PK 451

22, 23  PK 599