Ezekiel 17:14

KJV

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the kingdom {H4467} might be base {H8217}, that it might not lift itself up {H5375}, but that by keeping {H8104} of his covenant {H1285} it might stand {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that this kingdom of his would stay humble and not develop aspirations of its own; rather, it would keep his covenant and live accordingly.

Berean Standard Bible

so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant.

American Standard Version

that the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:14 reveals God's divine purpose behind the humbling of the kingdom of Judah under Babylonian dominion. Through the allegory of the great eagles and the vine, this verse explains that Judah's reduction to a "base" or lowly state was intended to curb its pride and prevent it from exalting itself. The ultimate goal was to ensure the kingdom's stability and continued existence, not through its own strength or foreign alliances, but solely through faithful adherence to the covenant sworn before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 17:14 is embedded within a complex allegorical riddle presented by the prophet Ezekiel, beginning in [Ezekiel 17:1](/ezekiel/17-1 "Ezekiel 17 - The Riddle of the Eagles and the Vine"). The chapter opens with the parable of two great eagles and a vine, which God immediately interprets for Ezekiel's audience. The first great eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who came to Jerusalem, plucked off the highest branch (King Jehoiachin and the leading citizens), and carried them to Babylon. He then planted a "tender one" from the royal seed (Zedekiah) in fertile ground, establishing him as a vassal king in Jerusalem. This new king swore a solemn oath, a covenant of allegiance, to Nebuchadnezzar (as detailed in [Ezekiel 17:13](/ezekiel/17-13 "Ezekiel 17:13 - Zedekiah's Oath to Babylon")). Verse 14 directly follows this, explaining the *divine rationale* behind this initial humbling: to prevent Judah from reasserting its pride and to ensure its stability through covenant faithfulness. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 17:15-21](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15-21 - Zedekiah's Rebellion and God's Judgment")) then describe Zedekiah's rebellion by seeking help from Egypt (the second great eagle), which God condemns as a breach of His covenant, leading to further judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 17 is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile. Following the first deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar installed Zedekiah (Mattaniah) as a puppet king in Jerusalem. As was common practice for vassal states in the ancient Near East, Zedekiah swore a binding oath of loyalty to his overlord, Nebuchadnezzar. Such oaths, even to foreign kings, were often considered sacred, especially when invoked in the name of a deity, as God Himself later emphasizes regarding Zedekiah's oath (cf. [Ezekiel 17:19](/ezekiel/17-19 "Ezekiel 17:19 - God's Judgment on Broken Oaths")). The cultural understanding of covenants (Hebrew: *berith*) was deeply ingrained in Israelite society, stemming from God's own covenant with His people. Breaking such an oath, even a political one, was not merely a political transgression but a profound moral and theological offense, inviting divine judgment. Judah's repeated tendency to rely on foreign alliances (like Egypt, as seen in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")) rather than trusting in God or honoring their sworn word, consistently led to their downfall.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations and kings, using even pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His will to humble His rebellious people. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Covenant Faithfulness and Integrity**. Zedekiah's stability was contingent upon keeping his sworn covenant, revealing that true security for God's people comes from adherence to their commitments, both to God and, by extension, to legitimate authorities. The breaking of this covenant is portrayed as a grave sin, leading to severe consequences, a theme reiterated throughout [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - The Allegory of the Eagles and the Vine"). Finally, it implicitly addresses the dangers of **Pride and Self-Exaltation**. Judah's desire to "lift itself up" and throw off Babylonian rule, rather than accepting its humbled state and adhering to its oath, was a manifestation of pride that ultimately led to its destruction. This echoes the biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **base (Hebrew, _shâphâl'_):** From H8217, meaning "depressed, literally or figuratively; base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly)." In this context, it signifies being brought down from a position of power or prominence to a state of subservience or lowliness. It's not necessarily a moral judgment but a description of their reduced political status under Babylonian rule, intended by God to curb their arrogance.
* **lift itself up (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375, a primitive root meaning "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative... exalt (self), extol." Here, it carries the connotation of pride, self-exaltation, or attempting to regain independence and power through human means rather than divine reliance or covenant fidelity. God's purpose was to prevent Judah from such rebellious self-assertion.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." This refers to the solemn, binding agreement Zedekiah made with Nebuchadnezzar. Although a political treaty, it was considered sacred by God, implying that its violation was not merely a political act but a breach of divine trust, especially since oaths were often sworn in the name of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the kingdom might be base":** This clause reveals God's direct intention. The "kingdom" refers to Judah under Zedekiah. To be "base" means to be humbled, reduced in status, and made subservient. This was not an accidental outcome but a deliberate act of divine sovereignty to discipline Judah and prevent its pride from leading to further destruction.
* **"that it might not lift itself up":** This specifies the immediate purpose of the humbling. Judah, prone to pride and rebellion, was being restrained from self-exaltation and from seeking independence through its own strength or illicit alliances. God sought to break their spirit of self-reliance and force them into a position of dependence, ideally on Him.
* **"but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand":** This clause presents the condition for stability and the ultimate positive outcome God desired. The "covenant" refers to the oath of allegiance Zedekiah swore to Nebuchadnezzar. God's will was that by faithfully adhering to this solemn agreement, the kingdom would "stand"—meaning it would endure, be stable, and continue to exist, albeit in a reduced capacity. This highlights God's demand for integrity and faithfulness, even in political arrangements.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:14, within its broader context, employs several significant literary devices. The entire chapter functions as an **Allegory**, where the "two great eagles" (Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh) and the "vine" (the house of Judah) with its "tender one" (Zedekiah) are not literal but symbolic representations of historical figures and nations. This allows Ezekiel to convey complex geopolitical realities and divine judgments through a vivid, memorable narrative. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the eagles representing powerful empires, the vine representing Judah, and the plucking and planting of branches symbolizing the deportation of kings and the establishment of vassal rulers. Furthermore, the verse uses **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by juxtaposing the kingdom's potential to "lift itself up" (pride, rebellion) against the divine intention for it to be "base" and "stand" by "keeping of his covenant" (humility, faithfulness). This contrast underscores the two paths available to Judah and the consequences of choosing one over the other.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:14 profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty over human history and His unwavering demand for covenant faithfulness. It teaches that true stability, for individuals and nations, is not found in self-exaltation or strategic alliances, but in humble obedience to divine principles and the integrity of one's word. God orchestrates circumstances, even humbling ones, to bring about His purposes, which often involve curbing human pride and fostering a spirit of dependence. The sanctity of oaths, even those made to earthly rulers, is upheld as a reflection of one's faithfulness to God, for all legitimate authority is ultimately derived from Him.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalm/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - The Righteous Person Keeps Oaths")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:14 offers timeless wisdom for our lives today. It reminds us that humility is not merely a virtue but a pathway to stability and divine favor. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and assertive independence, this verse challenges us to consider whether our desire to "lift ourselves up" might actually be hindering God's purposes for us. Sometimes, God allows or orchestrates humbling circumstances in our lives—financial setbacks, relational difficulties, professional disappointments—not to punish us, but to prevent us from becoming too proud or self-reliant. These moments, though painful, can be divine opportunities for growth, forcing us to acknowledge our dependence on Him and to re-evaluate our commitments. Furthermore, the verse underscores the sacredness of our word. Whether in personal promises, business contracts, or civic duties, our integrity in keeping our commitments reflects our character and our reverence for God, who is a covenant-keeping God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "lift myself up" rather than embrace a posture of humility and dependence on God?**
* **What "covenants" or commitments (e.g., marriage vows, professional ethics, civic duties) have I made, and how faithfully am I upholding them, knowing that God values integrity?**
* **Can I identify a past or present humbling experience in my life and discern how God might have used it to prevent pride or teach me greater reliance on Him?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of success and stability, shifting my focus from worldly achievements to covenant faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**What was the "covenant" Zedekiah was supposed to keep?**

Answer: The "covenant" referred to in Ezekiel 17:14 was the solemn oath of allegiance that King Zedekiah of Judah swore to Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon. After Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem and deported King Jehoiachin, he installed Zedekiah as a vassal king. This arrangement involved Zedekiah swearing a binding oath, likely in the name of the Lord, to remain loyal to Babylon. God considered this oath sacred, even though it was made to a pagan king, because it was sworn before Him (see [Ezekiel 17:13](/ezekiel/17-13 "Ezekiel 17:13 - Zedekiah's Oath to Babylon") and [Ezekiel 17:19](/ezekiel/17-19 "Ezekiel 17:19 - God's Judgment on Broken Oaths")). Breaking this covenant by seeking an alliance with Egypt was a grave transgression in God's eyes, leading to further judgment.

**Why did God want the kingdom to be "base" or humbled?**

Answer: God wanted the kingdom of Judah to be "base" or humbled to curb its pride and prevent it from "lifting itself up" in rebellion or self-exaltation. Judah had a history of trusting in foreign alliances and its own strength rather than relying on God. By being made a vassal state under Babylon, Judah was forced into a position of dependence and lowliness. This humbling was a disciplinary measure intended to teach them humility, to break their spirit of self-reliance, and to impress upon them that true stability came from faithfulness to their word and, ultimately, to God's will, not from political maneuvering or military might (as seen in [Isaiah 31:1-3](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:14, with its emphasis on a kingdom made "base" to prevent pride and ensure stability through covenant faithfulness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The earthly kingdom of Judah failed spectacularly in keeping its covenant, leading to its ultimate downfall. However, in Jesus Christ, we see the perfect embodiment of humility and covenant fidelity. He, though "in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He became "base" in the ultimate sense, humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). This profound act of humility was not a sign of weakness, but the very means by which God's ultimate covenant—the New Covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood"))—was established and secured. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ established a kingdom that "might stand" not by human strength or pride, but by His divine faithfulness and the power of His atoning work ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). His kingdom, unlike Judah's, is an everlasting kingdom that will never be brought low, because it is founded on His unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate exaltation by God ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man"); [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Christ is the humble King who perfectly kept the covenant, establishing a secure and eternal kingdom for all who believe.

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

Ezekiel 29:14

And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return [into] the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

Matthew 22:17

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

Matthew 22:21

They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Deuteronomy 28:43

The stranger that [is] within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.

Lamentations 5:10

Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.

Jeremiah 38:17

Then said Jeremiah unto Zedekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of hosts, the God of Israel; If thou wilt assuredly go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, then thy soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and thou shalt live, and thine house:

Nehemiah 9:36

Behold, we [are] servants this day, and [for] the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we [are] servants in it: