Ezekiel 17:1-24, the parable of the two eagles and the two trees

Ezekiel 17:1-24, the parable of the two eagles and the two trees

Ch.17 contains the parable of 2 eagles & 2 trees(cedar &vine)(1-10), their interpretation(11-21), and the promise of the Messianic kingdom(22-24). It shows the political destiny of Judah, its present and its imminent or ultimate future, that is, the future of the hope of the kingdom of God.

1. The parable of the two eagles and the two trees(1-10)

1) The parable of the splendid eagle(1-6) – King Nebuchadnezzar came to Lebanon(Canaan) and broke off a cedar branch(King Jehoiachin) and took him captive, and planted another seed(King Zedekiah) and he became a vine and is under the eagle(Babylon).
2) Parable of the another eagle(7-10) – King Zedekiah betrays Nebuchadnezzar and asks the second eagle (Pharaoh of Egypt) for military help, but is destroyed by the invasion of Babylon(2K.24:10-26).

2. Historical interpretation of the parable 1(11-18): Ezekiel Interprets the parable. Zedekiah broke his covenant with God and his oath with Nebuchadnezzar and relied on Egypt, which eventually led him and his people to destruction and captives in Babylon.

3. Theological interpretation of the parable 2(19-21): The destruction of Judah was God’s judgment because they violated their covenant with God and their oath with their king. The faithful God wants our faithfulness. We must also keep God’s covenant and our oaths with our neighbors.

4. Beyond despair, look to the future of hope, the kingdom of God(22-24): After the judgment of Judah, the hope of restoration, that is, the bright promise of the Messianic kingdom, is given.

Dear saints, isn't the image of the vine that tries to rely on the splendid eagle and the another eagle like ours? Let's rely only on God, not on people. Christ, the tender branch, grows and becomes a big tree, and many trees and birds find rest and peace there. May we all be blessed to enjoy true rest and peace in Jesus Christ. Amen.