Ezekiel 17:13

KJV

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

KJV (with Strong's)

And hath taken {H3947} of the king's {H4410} seed {H2233}, and made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with him, and hath taken {H935} an oath {H423} of him: he hath also taken {H3947} the mighty {H352} of the land {H776}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. He removed the powerful leaders of the land,

Berean Standard Bible

He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land,

American Standard Version

And he took of the seed royal, and made a covenant with him; he also brought him under an oath, and took away the mighty of the land;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:13, embedded within the intricate allegory of the two eagles and the vine, meticulously details the decisive actions of the first great eagle, representing King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, in asserting control over the kingdom of Judah. This verse specifically describes how Nebuchadnezzar strategically selected a new king from Judah's royal lineage, bound him with a solemn covenant and a sacred oath, and further consolidated his power by deporting the influential and powerful individuals from the land to Babylon. It profoundly underscores the stringent conditions imposed by the conquering empire to ensure the vassal kingdom's loyalty and prevent any future rebellion, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial detail within the elaborate riddle of the two eagles and the vine in [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - The Riddle of the Eagles and the Vine"), a profound allegorical prophecy delivered by Ezekiel to explain Judah's political situation and impending judgment. The "first great eagle" (Ezekiel 17:3) symbolizes King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and his actions described here directly follow his initial siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. The "highest branch of the cedar" (Ezekiel 17:3-4) refers to King Jehoiachin and the leading citizens of Jerusalem, whom Nebuchadnezzar had already deported to Babylon. [Ezekiel 17:13](/ezekiel/17-13 "Ezekiel 17:13 - Nebuchadnezzar's Covenant with Zedekiah") details Nebuchadnezzar's subsequent move: instead of completely destroying Judah, he established a new vassal king from the royal line, binding him with a solemn treaty. The tragic consequences of this new king's (Zedekiah's) betrayal of this covenant are then vividly prophesied in the verses that follow, particularly in [Ezekiel 17:15-18](/ezekiel/17-15-18 "Ezekiel 17:15-18 - Zedekiah's Rebellion and Consequences"), leading to Jerusalem's final downfall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for [Ezekiel 17:13](/ezekiel/17-13 "Ezekiel 17:13 - Nebuchadnezzar's Covenant with Zedekiah") is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian Exile. Following the first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar, the formidable king of Babylon, captured King Jehoiachin and exiled him along with many of Judah's elite—including skilled craftsmen, priests, and warriors—to Babylon, as meticulously recorded in [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and Exile"). To maintain control over Judah while preventing a power vacuum, Nebuchadnezzar appointed Jehoiachin's uncle, Mattaniah, as the new king, changing his name to Zedekiah, a detail found in [2 Kings 24:17](/2_kings/24-17 "2 Kings 24:17 - Zedekiah Becomes King"). The "covenant" and "oath" mentioned in Ezekiel 17:13 refer to the formal vassal treaty imposed by Babylon upon Zedekiah. In the ancient Near East, such treaties were legally binding agreements, often involving solemn oaths sworn before deities, which, if broken, incurred severe divine and political repercussions. Nebuchadnezzar's act of taking "the mighty of the land" was a strategic move to prevent future rebellions by systematically removing potential leaders and military strength from the subjugated territory, a common tactic of imperial powers.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 17:13](/ezekiel/17-13 "Ezekiel 17:13 - Nebuchadnezzar's Covenant with Zedekiah") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, illustrating how God orchestrates even the actions of pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His righteous judgment against His disobedient people. The verse highlights the critical theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Betrayal**, as Zedekiah's subsequent breaking of the solemn oath to Babylon (detailed in [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Rebellion")) is presented not merely as a political misstep but as a profound moral and spiritual failure in God's eyes, ultimately leading to Jerusalem's utter destruction. Furthermore, the act of taking "the mighty of the land" emphasizes the theme of **Depopulation and Weakening of the Nation**, a deliberate strategy by the conquering power to ensure submission and prevent resurgence, a recurring motif in the narrative of the Babylonian exiles (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:1-10](/jeremiah/29-1-10 "Jeremiah 29:1-10 - Letter to the Exiles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies Nebuchadnezzar's decisive and authoritative action of selecting and establishing Zedekiah as king, and subsequently, seizing and deporting the prominent individuals. It conveys a sense of forceful acquisition and authoritative control, highlighting the Babylonian king's absolute power over Judah's destiny.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** H1285, from a root meaning "to cut." This term refers to a compact or treaty, often made by "cutting" (referencing the ancient practice of passing between pieces of a sacrificed animal, symbolizing the fate of those who break the agreement). Here, it denotes the formal, binding vassal agreement imposed by Nebuchadnezzar upon Zedekiah, outlining the terms of Judah's subjugation and loyalty to Babylon.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** H352, from a root meaning "strength." This word properly denotes strength and, by extension, refers to anything strong. In this context, it specifically refers to a "chief" or a "mighty man," indicating the prominent, powerful, and influential individuals—such as military leaders, skilled craftsmen, and wealthy citizens—who were strategically deported from Judah to weaken its capacity for resistance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hath taken of the king's seed":** This clause describes Nebuchadnezzar's calculated decision to appoint a new king from the existing royal lineage of Judah. After deporting King Jehoiachin, Nebuchadnezzar did not abolish the monarchy entirely but rather installed Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, on the throne, renaming him Zedekiah. This action provided a semblance of continuity for the Judean people while firmly establishing Babylonian control through a puppet ruler who owed his position entirely to Babylon.
* **"and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him":** This phrase underscores the solemn and legally binding nature of the agreement imposed upon Zedekiah. Nebuchadnezzar compelled Zedekiah to enter into a formal vassal treaty ("covenant") and to swear a sacred oath of loyalty. This oath, likely invoking the name of Yahweh (the God of Israel), was intended to guarantee Zedekiah's unwavering allegiance to Babylon, making any future rebellion not only a political transgression but also a profound spiritual and moral breach in the eyes of God and the surrounding nations.
* **"he hath also taken the mighty of the land":** This final clause details another crucial aspect of Nebuchadnezzar's strategy to secure Judah's submission and prevent future uprisings. Beyond merely installing a new king, he further debilitated the kingdom by deporting its most influential, capable, and potentially rebellious citizens. These "mighty" individuals included military leaders, skilled artisans, wealthy citizens, and other prominent figures, whose removal crippled Judah's capacity for organized resistance and solidified Babylonian dominance over the remaining populace.

#### Literary Devices
The entire chapter of Ezekiel 17 is structured as an **Allegory**, where the narrative of the two eagles and the vine serves as an extended, complex metaphor for the intricate political realities of Judah's relationship with Babylon and Egypt. Within this overarching allegory, specific elements function as powerful **Symbolism**: the "first great eagle" clearly symbolizes King Nebuchadnezzar, the "king's seed" symbolizes Zedekiah, and "the mighty of the land" symbolizes the deported elite of Judah. The actions described in the verse, particularly the making of a covenant and taking an oath, carry significant **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the severe consequences that will inevitably unfold when Zedekiah ultimately breaks this sacred agreement, leading to Jerusalem's final destruction and the complete exile of its people. The use of vivid, concrete verbs—"taken," "made," "taken"—renders the abstract political maneuvers tangible and impactful, emphasizing the decisive and forceful nature of Babylon's control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:13 profoundly illustrates the interplay between human actions, divine sovereignty, and the severe consequences of broken trust. While seemingly a purely geopolitical maneuver by Nebuchadnezzar, the prophet Ezekiel presents it as an integral part of God's overarching plan for Judah, a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion against the Lord. The emphasis on the "covenant" and "oath" highlights the sanctity of promises, both human and divine. Zedekiah's subsequent violation of this oath, even if made under duress to a pagan king, is treated by God as a grave offense, underscoring the universal principle that integrity and faithfulness are paramount in His sight. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God holds nations and their leaders accountable for their commitments, and His justice will ultimately prevail, even through the actions of seemingly autonomous earthly powers.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [2 Kings 24:17-20](/2_kings/24-17-20 "2 Kings 24:17-20 - Zedekiah's Reign and Rebellion")
* [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of the City")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:13, though rooted in the ancient geopolitical turmoil of Judah's exile, offers timeless lessons on the profound importance of integrity, the weighty nature of promises, and the far-reaching consequences of betrayal. Zedekiah's tragic failure to uphold his solemn oath, even one imposed by a foreign oppressor, ultimately led to the utter devastation of his nation and the immense suffering of his people. This serves as a powerful reminder for us today: our commitments, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, carry significant moral and spiritual weight. Breaking trust, whether through deceit, negligence, or deliberate betrayal, can have ripple effects that extend far beyond our immediate circle, impacting families, communities, and even future generations. The passage calls us to consider the sanctity of our word, to live with unwavering faithfulness, and to understand that true integrity is valued by God, regardless of the circumstances under which promises are made. It also encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem dire or unjust, recognizing that He works through all events—even the actions of oppressive powers—to bring about His ultimate redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments or promises have I made recently, and how faithfully am I upholding them in my daily life?**
* **How does Zedekiah's failure to keep his oath challenge my own understanding of integrity and trustworthiness in difficult situations?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to break a promise or compromise my word for perceived personal gain or to escape from difficulty?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper commitment to faithfulness in all my dealings, recognizing the broader impact of my actions on others and on my relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "king's seed" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "king's seed" refers to Mattaniah, who was King Jehoiachin's uncle. After Jehoiachin was taken captive to Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar appointed Mattaniah as the new king of Judah and changed his name to Zedekiah. This action is historically documented in [2 Kings 24:17](/2_kings/24-17 "2 Kings 24:17 - Zedekiah Becomes King"). By choosing someone from the royal lineage, Nebuchadnezzar aimed to maintain a degree of legitimacy and stability in the vassal kingdom while ensuring his own absolute control through a puppet ruler.

**What was the significance of Nebuchadnezzar making a "covenant" and taking an "oath" from Zedekiah?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, a "covenant" (Hebrew: _bᵉrîyth_) was a formal, legally binding treaty, often between a suzerain (a dominant power) and a vassal (a subordinate state). An "oath" (Hebrew: _ʼâlâh_) was a solemn sworn promise, typically invoking divine witnesses, making its violation a grave religious and political offense. By imposing both a covenant and an oath, Nebuchadnezzar sought to secure Zedekiah's absolute loyalty and prevent any rebellion. Breaking such an oath, especially one sworn before God, was considered a severe transgression, as highlighted later in [Ezekiel 17:15-19](/ezekiel/17-15-19 "Ezekiel 17:15-19 - Zedekiah's Breach of Covenant"), leading to divine judgment.

**Why did Nebuchadnezzar also take "the mighty of the land"?**

Answer: Taking "the mighty of the land" was a strategic and calculated move by Nebuchadnezzar to cripple Judah's ability to resist or rebel effectively. These "mighty" individuals included the most influential leaders, skilled craftsmen, warriors, and wealthy citizens. Their deportation to Babylon, as described in [2 Kings 24:14](/2_kings/24-14 "2 Kings 24:14 - Deportation of Judah's Elite"), served multiple purposes: it removed potential instigators of rebellion, deprived Judah of its military and economic strength, and provided Babylon with skilled labor and resources. This act ensured that the remaining population in Judah would be significantly weakened and less capable of challenging Babylonian authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:13, with its depiction of a broken covenant and a deposed king, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect King and an unbreakable covenant, both found supremely in Jesus Christ. Zedekiah, a "king's seed" who failed to uphold his oath, represents the inherent failure of human kingship and the old covenant's inability to secure lasting peace and faithfulness. In stark contrast, Jesus is the true "seed" of David (as prophesied and fulfilled in passages like [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David") and [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), the King whose reign is eternal and whose covenant is perfect. He does not break His word but perfectly fulfills all righteousness and every promise of God. The New Covenant, inaugurated through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection (as described in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood") and expounded in [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")), is not based on human faithfulness, which inevitably falters, but on God's unwavering grace and Christ's perfect obedience. Unlike the "mighty of the land" who were taken into exile to weaken a nation, Christ, the truly Mighty One, willingly laid down His life to secure freedom and restoration for His people, drawing all who believe into His eternal kingdom, where true faithfulness and lasting peace reside ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to establish an unbreakable kingdom and a king who will never fail ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

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

2 Chronicles 36:13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.

2 Kings 24:15

And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, [those] carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.

2 Kings 24:17

And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Ezekiel 17:5

He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed [it] by great waters, [and] set it [as] a willow tree.

Jeremiah 24:1

¶ The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs [were] set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

Jeremiah 37:1

¶ And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.

Jeremiah 5:2

And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.