Ezekiel 17:8

8 It was planted in a good field by many waters, that it might bring forth branches and bear fruit, that it might be a noble vine.

Ezekiel 17:8 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 17:8

It was planted in, a good soil, by great waters
As is expressed in ( Ezekiel 17:5 ) ; this was done by the king of Babylon, who had raised Zedekiah from a low estate to a high one, and set him on the throne of Judah, over many people; and put him in such a condition, and in such circumstances, that he and his people might have been very happy, could they have been content:, for his view was, that he might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that
it might be a goodly vine;
that he and his people might grow numerous and rich, and be a prosperous and flourishing kingdom; this is mentioned to aggravate the ingratitude of Zedekiah, and the people of the Jews, in rebelling against the king of Babylon, who had used them well, and of whom they had no reason to complain.

Ezekiel 17:8 In-Context

6 And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, so that its branches should turn toward him, and the roots thereof be under him; and it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.

7 And there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers; and behold, from the beds of her plantation, this vine did bend her roots unto him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it.

8 It was planted in a good field by many waters, that it might bring forth branches and bear fruit, that it might be a noble vine.

9 Say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Shall it prosper? Shall he not pull up its roots, and cut off its fruit, that it may wither? All its fresh sprouting leaves shall wither, even without a great arm and many people to pluck it up by its roots.

10 And behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither when the east wind toucheth it? It shall wither in the beds where it grew.

Footnotes

• [a]. Rab; or 'great,' as ver. 5.
• [b]. Lit. 'vine of magnificence:' see ver. 23, 'noble,' 'excellent,' and Jer. 30.21.