Ezekiel 17:22-24

22 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.

24 All the trees of the forest 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.’ ”

Ezekiel 17:22-24 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL 17

Under the simile of two eagles and a vine are represented the kings of Babylon and Egypt, and the condition of the Jews, who are threatened with ruin for their perfidy; and yet a promise is made of the raising up of the house of Judah, and family of David, in the Messiah. The prophet is bid to deliver a riddle or parable to the house of Israel, Eze 17:1,2. The riddle or parable is concerning two eagles and a vine, which is delivered, Eze 17:3-10; and the explanation of it is in Eze 17:11-15; and then the destruction of the Jews is threatened for their treachery to the king of Babylon, Eze 17:16-21; and the chapter is closed with a promise of the Messiah, and the prosperity of his kingdom, Eze 17:22-24.

Cross References

• 1. S 2 Kings 19:30; S Isaiah 4:2
• 2. ver 23; Isaiah 2:2; S Jeremiah 23:5; Ezekiel 20:40; Ezekiel 36:1,36; Ezekiel 37:22; Ezekiel 40:2; Ezekiel 43:12
• 3. S ver 22; S Jeremiah 31:12
• 4. S Isaiah 27:6
• 5. Psalms 92:12; S Isaiah 2:2; Ezekiel 31:6; Daniel 4:12; Hosea 14:5-7; S Matthew 13:32
• 6. S Psalms 96:12; Isaiah 2:13
• 7. S Psalms 52:5
• 8. S Numbers 17:8; Daniel 5:21
• 9. S 1 Samuel 2:7-8; Ezekiel 19:12; Ezekiel 21:26; Ezekiel 22:14; Ezekiel 37:13; Amos 9:11