Last week we learned studied the parable of the unfaithful wife. This week we will read the parable of the Eagles. I also listed four basic reasons for the fall of Jerusalem. This week we will add number 5.
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1. People’s stubbornness. (Chapter 12)
2. People listened to false prophets (Chapters 13-14)
3. Nation was useless. (Chapter 15)
4. Nation’s history of unfaithfulness (Chapter 16)
5. Judah placed their trust in political alliances instead of the Lord (Chapter 17)
At the beginning of the chapter there is a riddle and a parable, God does this so those who hear will remember what is communicated.
Parable:
In Ezekiel 17:3-10 an eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) comes and removed the top branch of a mighty cedar tree. It is brought to a land of traders and planted there. The eagle then planted seed in good, fertile soil near a good source of water. Instead of it growing into a tree, it grew into a vine (King Johoiachin). The branches grew towards the eagle, but the hidden roots grew towards another Eagle (Egypt). Even though the tree was well planted, it had rejected what it was given and sought water elsewhere. What does a farmer do with a vine? The vine is pulled up so that it can not regrow.
Explanation:
The Lord then gives us an explanation in Ezekiel 17:11-21. The eagle is Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon who came to remove the king of Jerusalem (II Kings 24:11-16). Jehoiachin’s uncle was then placed on Judah’s throne (he is the spreading vine). He was placed under oath to the King of Babylon. They were allowed to exist under its oath to Nebuchadnezzar, for a conquered nation they were taken care of. Jeremiah 27:12-17 gave warnings NOT to break the oath they have with Babylon, unfortunately they rebelled anyways. Zedekiah tried to make an alliance with Egypt. Because he broke his oath with Babylon he will die in Babylon (as see depictive here). He high tree will be brought down (Zedekiah) and it is dried up (all his decendants will die). Isaiah 26:5
The parable continues in Ezekiel 17:22-24. A tender branch would be removed and planted on a lofty mountain. God is showing the people he would take of the highest branch of the high cedar and set it out. This is God declaring He would plant Someone on the throne from the lineage of David and would exult the One very high. A reference to the Messiah and God placing Him on the throne.
The TRUE VINE.
Past Posts on Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 1-3
Ezekiel 4-7
Ezekiel 8-10
Ezekiel 11
Ezekiel 12-13
Ezekiel 14-15
Ezekiel 16
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{ 2 comments }
Such an awesome study.
Such an awesome study.
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