Ezekiel 17:10

KJV

Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, behold, being planted {H8362}, shall it prosper {H6743}? shall it not utterly {H3001} wither {H3001}, when the east {H6921} wind {H7307} toucheth {H5060} it? it shall wither {H3001} in the furrows {H6170} where it grew {H6780}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Will it thrive just because it was planted? Won't it wither altogether when the east wind strikes it? Yes, it will wither right there in the beds where it was growing.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Even if it is transplanted, will it flourish? Will it not completely wither when the east wind strikes? It will wither on the bed where it sprouted.’”

American Standard Version

Yea, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:10 is a rhetorical question embedded within a complex allegory, prophesying the inevitable and devastating judgment upon the kingdom of Judah and its rebellious King Zedekiah. Despite being "planted" by divine decree under Babylonian suzerainty, Zedekiah's treacherous alliance with Egypt, in defiance of his oath, is depicted as a vine that will utterly wither when struck by the scorching "east wind" of God's judgment, signifying the futility of human schemes against divine will and the severe consequences of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 17 presents a profound and intricate allegory, often termed a riddle or parable, delivered by God to the prophet Ezekiel. This chapter, beginning at [Ezekiel 17:1](/ezekiel/17-1 "Ezekiel 17 - The Riddle of the Eagles and the Vine"), describes two great eagles, a vine, and its branches, symbolizing the geopolitical machinations involving Judah, Babylon, and Egypt. The first great eagle represents King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who had previously besieged Jerusalem, removed King Jehoiachin, and installed Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, as a vassal king, binding him with a solemn oath of allegiance. The vine itself symbolizes the kingdom of Judah, with its branches and roots representing its people and newly appointed king. The second great eagle is Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt. Despite his oath to Babylon, King Zedekiah rebelled and sought military assistance from Egypt, a direct violation of his covenant. Ezekiel 17:10 serves as a climactic rhetorical question within this allegory, powerfully conveying God's verdict on Zedekiah's treachery and the ensuing, unavoidable destruction of Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 17 is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically the years following Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. King Jehoiachin had been deported to Babylon, and Zedekiah was placed on the throne as a puppet king. Oaths of allegiance, particularly those involving divine names, were considered extremely sacred and binding in the ancient Near East, carrying severe consequences for their violation. Zedekiah's decision to break his oath to Nebuchadnezzar and seek help from Egypt (as detailed in [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Broken Oath")) was not merely a political miscalculation but a profound act of covenant infidelity in the eyes of God, who had used Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument. The "east wind" was a well-known natural phenomenon in the region, a hot, dry, and often destructive wind originating from the Arabian desert, capable of rapidly withering vegetation and symbolizing divine judgment or desolation in biblical imagery.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several critical theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, illustrating the severe repercussions of rebellion against God's established order, even when that order involves a pagan ruler whom God uses for His purposes. Zedekiah's treachery against Babylon was fundamentally a breach of a divinely sanctioned covenant, leading to inevitable judgment. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Futility of Human Alliances** when they contradict God's will. The verse exposes the vanity of trusting in human strength or foreign powers (like Egypt) rather than relying on God's protection and adhering to His directives. The "east wind" symbolizes the overwhelming and destructive power of divine judgment, which will utterly wither any human scheme not aligned with God's sovereign plan. Lastly, it powerfully affirms **God's Sovereignty**. Despite the complex political maneuvering of kings and nations, God remains ultimately in control, orchestrating events and bringing about His purposes, even through acts of judgment, demonstrating that no human power can thwart His ultimate plan for His people and the world, as seen in the ultimate fall of Jerusalem described in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **yâbêsh (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This primitive root means "to dry up" or "wither," particularly of vegetation, but also carries the connotation of "to be ashamed, confused, or disappointed." In Ezekiel 17:10, its repetition and the adverb "utterly" (derived from the same root) emphasize the complete and irreversible desiccation and destruction of the vine (Judah/Zedekiah's kingdom). This withering is not merely a natural process but a divinely orchestrated outcome, bringing shame and disappointment to those who trusted in human alliances over God's covenant.
* **qâdîym (Hebrew, _qâdîym'_):** Derived from a word meaning "the fore or front part," this term specifically refers to "the East" and, by extension, "the east wind." In biblical contexts, the east wind is consistently associated with destructive, scorching, and drying effects (e.g., the plagues in [Exodus 10:13](/exodus/10-13 "Exodus 10:13 - East Wind Brings Locusts") or the desolation in [Hosea 13:15](/hosea/13-15 "Hosea 13:15 - Ephraim's Destruction by East Wind")). Here, it is a powerful symbol of God's swift, hot, and utterly devastating judgment, which will bring about the promised desolation.
* **ʻărûwgâh (Hebrew, _ʻărûwgâh'_):** This feminine passive participle refers to "something piled up" or, more commonly, a "bed" or "furrow" in a garden or field. It denotes the prepared ground where the vine was planted and expected to grow. The phrase "in the furrows where it grew" highlights the irony and tragedy: the very place of its initial promise, where it was carefully "planted" (shâthal - H8362) and expected to "prosper" (tsâlach - H6743), becomes the site of its utter destruction. It underscores that even a seemingly secure foundation cannot withstand divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper?":** This rhetorical question immediately sets a tone of skepticism and impending doom. The vine (Judah) was indeed "planted" by Nebuchadnezzar, implying a new beginning and a chance for stability under Babylonian suzerainty. However, the question challenges the very notion of prosperity, signaling that despite initial appearances or human expectations, true success is impossible given the vine's (Zedekiah's) rebellious nature. The implied answer is a resounding "No."
* **"shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it?":** This continues the rhetorical question, making the inevitable outcome explicit. The "east wind" (qâdîym rûwach - H6921 H7307) symbolizes God's swift and destructive judgment. The verb "toucheth" (nâgaʻ - H5060) suggests a direct, impactful, and decisive divine intervention. The repetition of "wither" and the intensification with "utterly" (yâbêsh - H3001) underscore the complete and irreversible nature of the destruction that awaits Judah due to its king's broken covenant.
* **"it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.":** This declarative statement removes all doubt, confirming the fate previously posed as a question. The judgment will be comprehensive and inescapable. The phrase "in the furrows where it grew" (ʻărûwgâh - H6170, tsemach - H6780) emphasizes that the destruction will occur in the very place of its supposed security and origin. The initial promise and potential of the "planted" vine will be completely undone, leaving no hope for recovery or replanting in that same context.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:10 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic message. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory** or **Riddle**, where concrete imagery (eagles, vine, branches, wind) represents abstract political and theological realities (kings, kingdoms, covenants, divine judgment). This verse specifically employs a **Rhetorical Question** ("shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither?"), which is designed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the obvious and inevitable negative outcome, thereby intensifying the prophetic warning and underscoring the futility of Zedekiah's actions. Furthermore, the verse is replete with **Symbolism**. The "vine" symbolizes the kingdom of Judah, particularly its ruling dynasty under Zedekiah. The "east wind" is a potent symbol of divine judgment, representing God's destructive power and the scorching consequences of disobedience. The "furrows where it grew" symbolize the place of initial establishment and supposed security, highlighting the irony that destruction will come even there.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:10 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God holds nations and their leaders accountable for their covenant faithfulness, whether explicit or implicit. Zedekiah's broken oath to Nebuchadnezzar, though made to a pagan king, was seen by God as a direct affront to His sovereignty, as God had used Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of His will. This highlights that God's moral order transcends political expediency and that trusting in human alliances over divine directives leads to inevitable spiritual and physical desolation. The "withering" signifies a loss of vitality, purpose, and ultimately, existence, serving as a stark warning against spiritual compromise and the illusion of self-sufficiency.

* [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Broken Covenant and God's Judgment") - God's explicit condemnation of Zedekiah's broken oath and the dire consequences.
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Righteous and the Ungodly") - Contrasts the blessed person, like a tree planted by streams, with the ungodly, who are like chaff driven by the wind, echoing the theme of prosperity versus withering based on alignment with God.
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters") - God condemns Israel for forsaking Him, the "fountain of living waters," and hewing out broken cisterns, a metaphor for seeking help from unreliable human sources instead of divine sustenance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:10 serves as a timeless and potent reminder that true security and prosperity are found not in human cunning, political maneuvering, or worldly alliances, but in unwavering faithfulness to God and His established principles. For believers today, this verse underscores the critical importance of integrity, honoring commitments (whether to God or to others), and discerning where our ultimate trust lies. When we, like Zedekiah, seek solutions outside of God's revealed will or rely on our own strength and worldly connections, we risk spiritual "withering." This can manifest as a loss of joy, purpose, or spiritual vitality, as our "roots" are not drawing from the true source of life. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we making decisions based on short-term gain or fear, or are we rooted in Christ, trusting in His sovereign plan even when it seems counterintuitive or difficult? The "east wind" of life's challenges, trials, or even divine discipline will inevitably come; our spiritual resilience depends on where we are truly "planted."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek "Egyptian" alliances or human solutions rather than trusting God's sovereign plan?**
* **How does my commitment to integrity and keeping my word reflect my deeper commitment to God?**
* **What does "withering" look like in a spiritual sense in my own life, and what steps can I take to ensure I am "planted" firmly in God's will?**
* **How does recognizing God's ultimate sovereignty in history and personal life impact my daily decisions and anxieties?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "east wind" in biblical prophecy and particularly in Ezekiel 17:10?**

Answer: In biblical prophecy, the "east wind" (Hebrew: *ruach qadîym*) is a highly significant and consistently negative symbol. Geographically, it refers to the hot, dry, and often violent winds that blow from the Arabian desert across the land of Israel. These winds were known to bring desiccation, blight, and destruction to vegetation, crops, and even human life. Theologically, this natural phenomenon became a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, desolation, and the instrument of God's wrath. In Ezekiel 17:10, the east wind symbolizes the overwhelming and inevitable judgment that God will bring upon King Zedekiah and the kingdom of Judah for their covenant infidelity and rebellion against His established order. It signifies a swift, thorough, and destructive force that will utterly wither the rebellious "vine," leaving no hope for its prosperity or recovery, much like the destructive east wind that brought locusts in [Exodus 10:13](/exodus/10-13 "Exodus 10:13 - East Wind Brings Locusts") or dried up the waters in [Jonah 4:8](/jonah/4-8 "Jonah 4:8 - Jonah's Discomfort from the East Wind").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:10, with its imagery of a withered vine under divine judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in its direct application, but in its stark contrast and ultimate resolution in Jesus Christ. The "vine" of Judah, which failed to prosper due to its unfaithfulness and broken covenant, foreshadows the need for a "True Vine." Jesus declares Himself to be this [True Vine in John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), emphasizing that true spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through abiding in Him, not through human alliances or self-reliance. While Zedekiah's kingdom withered under the "east wind" of God's judgment for its sin, Jesus, the perfect Son, willingly subjected Himself to the ultimate "east wind" of divine wrath against sin on the cross. He became the one who "withered" (died) in our place, absorbing the judgment so that those who believe in Him might "prosper" eternally and bear much fruit, as promised in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine"). The broken covenant under Zedekiah points to the need for a New Covenant, which Jesus inaugurated through His blood, a covenant that is unbreakable and provides true life and reconciliation with God ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Thus, the prophetic warning of Ezekiel 17:10, while dire for Judah, ultimately serves to highlight the glorious and enduring prosperity found only in Christ, the one who perfectly fulfilled God's will and established an unshakable kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 13:15

Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

Hosea 12:1

¶ Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

John 15:6

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

Mark 11:20

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

Ezekiel 19:12

But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.

Ezekiel 19:14

And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, [which] hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod [to be] a sceptre to rule. This [is] a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;