God gives Ezekiel a riddle to tell.
The riddle is a story of two eagles. The first eagle is great with broad wings and long feathers. He seized the top of a cedar tree plucked off its highest branch and carried it away to a city filled with merchants and planted it there. The eagle also took a seedling from the land of Israel and planted it in fertile soil. It took root there and grew into a low spreading vine. Its roots grew down into the ground and it produced strong branches and put out shoots.
Then another great eagle came and now the vine roots and branches moved towards this eagle hoping that it would plant it where it could grow into a splendid vine and produce rich leaves and luscious fruit. Even though it already was planted in good soil and had plenty of water.
So God poses the question of whether this vine will grow and prosper.
The answer is No!
God will pull it up, roots and all and it will not prosper.
“So now the Sovereign Lord asks:
Ezekiel 17: 9-10
Will this vine grow and prosper?
No! I will pull it up, roots and all!
I will cut off its fruit
and let its leaves wither and die.
I will pull it up easily
without a strong arm or a large army.
10 But when the vine is transplanted,
will it thrive?
No, it will wither away
when the east wind blows against it.
It will die in the same good soil
where it had grown so well.”
The first eagle in this riddle represents King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who took the top of the cedar symbolising King Jehoiachin and planted a seedling, the next king, Zedekiah, on Judah’s throne as a puppet ruler. The vine (Judah/King Zedekiah) grew under Babylon’s authority and had everything it needed to survive, as long as it remained loyal.
However, the second eagle represents Egypt, and the vine (Judah/King Zedekiah) began to turn toward Egypt, seeking help and alliance there. In doing so, Zedekiah broke his allegiance to Babylon and sought military support from Egypt, a decision that led to Judah’s downfall. This rebellion went against God’s will and revealed Judah’s continued unfaithfulness and defiance, resulting in their eventual destruction.
But even in judgment, God, rich in mercy and zealous for His glory, graciously holds out hope for Israel.
…”I will take a branch from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel’s highest mountain. 23 It will become a majestic cedar, sending forth its branches and producing seed. Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 And all the trees will know that it is I, the Lord, who cuts the tall tree down and makes the short tree grow tall. It is I who makes the green tree wither and gives the dead tree new life. I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will do what I said!”
Ezekiel 17:22-24
This shows that when the people placed their hope in foreign alliances, they were left disappointed. Only God could give them true and lasting hope, which He would ultimately fulfil through the Messiah, Jesus. Jesus is the Branch planted on the heights of Israel’s mountains, who would grow into a majestic cedar, offering shelter and rest to every bird of every kind. All of this is for the glory of God — to Him be all praise and the glory. Hallelujah!
Stay Blessed!
Faith With Petra 