Ezekiel 17:15

KJV

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

KJV (with Strong's)

But he rebelled {H4775} against him in sending {H7971} his ambassadors {H4397} into Egypt {H4714}, that they might give {H5414} him horses {H5483} and much {H7227} people {H5971}. Shall he prosper {H6743}? shall he escape {H4422} that doeth {H6213} such things? or shall he break {H6565} the covenant {H1285}, and be delivered {H4422}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But this man rebelled and sent representatives to Egypt, in order to obtain horses and a sizeable army. Can he succeed? Can someone who does such things escape punishment? Can he break the covenant and still escape punishment?

Berean Standard Bible

But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’

American Standard Version

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? shall he break the covenant, and yet escape?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:15 vividly portrays King Zedekiah's profound act of rebellion against his Babylonian overlord, Nebuchadnezzar, by dispatching official envoys to Egypt in a desperate bid for military assistance. This calculated maneuver, seeking a formidable force of horses and a large army, constituted a direct and egregious violation of the solemn covenant Zedekiah had sworn before God to Nebuchadnezzar. The verse culminates in a series of piercing rhetorical questions, powerfully underscoring the utter futility of Zedekiah's treacherous actions and the inevitable divine judgment awaiting one who so flagrantly breaks a sacred oath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Ezekiel's elaborate parable of the two great eagles and the vine, detailed in [Ezekiel 17:1-10](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - Parable of the Eagles and the Vine"). The first majestic eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who had previously captured King Jehoiachin and subsequently installed Zedekiah as a vassal king over Judah in Jerusalem. The "tender one" or "seed" carefully taken from the cedar (symbolizing the royal house of Judah) and meticulously planted in fertile ground (representing Babylonian-controlled Judah) is Zedekiah himself. The parable masterfully illustrates the stark political reality of Judah's subjugation and Zedekiah's sworn allegiance. Verse 15 then transitions from this rich allegorical narrative to a direct, scathing indictment, explicitly detailing Zedekiah's specific act of treachery—his ill-fated attempt to forge an alliance with Egypt, symbolically depicted as the "other great eagle" earlier in the parable. This act of covenant-breaking sets the inexorable stage for the vine's (Judah's) ultimate uprooting and catastrophic destruction, as further elaborated in the explanation of the parable in [Ezekiel 17:11-21](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - Explanation of the Parable").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry (the early 6th century BCE), Judah existed as a precarious vassal state under the formidable dominion of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Following the initial siege of Jerusalem in 597 BCE, Nebuchadnezzar had deported King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of Judah's elite, subsequently installing Zedekiah (whose original name was Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle) as the new king. Crucially, Zedekiah was compelled to swear a profoundly binding oath of allegiance in the sacred name of Yahweh. Such oaths were held in the highest esteem and considered exceptionally sacred throughout the ancient Near East, frequently involving divine witnesses and carrying severe, often divinely ordained, curses for their violation. Egypt, a perennial and ambitious rival of Babylon, consistently enticed smaller nations in the Levant to rebel against their overlords, promising substantial military support, particularly cavalry ("horses") and infantry ("much people"). This recurring historical pattern of seeking Egyptian aid, a practice consistently condemned by earlier prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, reflected a deep-seated distrust in God's protective power and a dangerous preference for worldly alliances over divine reliance. Zedekiah's embassy to Egypt was a desperate and culturally understood act of political maneuvering, yet one that carried immense spiritual implications due to the supremely sacred nature of his oath.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 17:15 profoundly contributes to several critical themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader tapestry of biblical theology. Foremost among these is the theme of **Rebellion and Broken Covenants**. Zedekiah's act is far more than a mere political betrayal; it is a direct and audacious violation of a covenant made explicitly before God, powerfully highlighting the gravity with which God regards oaths and agreements. This broken covenant serves as a stark precursor to God's inevitable judgment, as unequivocally stated in [Ezekiel 17:19-20](/ezekiel/17-19 "Ezekiel 17:19-20 - God's Judgment on Zedekiah"). Another prominent theme is **Reliance on Human Strength vs. Divine Trust**. Zedekiah's ill-fated decision to seek military aid from Egypt, specifically "horses and much people," epitomizes a dangerous reliance on worldly power and transient alliances rather than placing unwavering trust in the Lord for deliverance or guidance. This mirrors Israel's recurring and tragic sin of looking to foreign nations for security instead of faithfully relying on God, a pattern consistently condemned by the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")). Finally, the verse powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Inevitable Judgment**. The piercing rhetorical questions "Shall he prosper? shall he escape...?" convey the absolute and terrifying certainty of God's righteous judgment against those who break sacred oaths and defiantly challenge His established order. God's unwavering justice ensures that such blatant disregard for His principles will not, and cannot, go unpunished, leading inexorably to the prophesied destruction of Jerusalem and further exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebelled (Hebrew, _mârad'_):** From the primitive root H4775, meaning "to rebel." This word signifies a deliberate act of insubordination and defiant opposition against an established authority. In the context of Ezekiel 17:15, it precisely describes Zedekiah's overt act of breaking allegiance with Nebuchadnezzar, which, given the divine sanction of the Babylonian conquest and Nebuchadnezzar's role as God's instrument, was also a profound act of rebellion against God's ordained order and will.
* **Ambassadors (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** From H4397, meaning "a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher); ambassador, angel, king, messenger." Here, it specifically refers to official envoys dispatched by Zedekiah to formally negotiate a treaty. The deliberate use of "ambassadors" emphasizes the formal, premeditated, and calculated nature of Zedekiah's attempt to forge a military alliance, thereby underscoring the intentionality and gravity of his rebellion.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, derived from a root meaning "to cut" (a direct reference to ancient covenant-making rituals that often involved cutting animals and the participants passing between the pieces). It signifies "a compact, confederacy, covenant, league." This term is absolutely crucial, as it denotes a solemn, profoundly binding agreement, frequently made with divine witnesses, and carrying severe and often divinely imposed consequences for its violation. Zedekiah's oath to Nebuchadnezzar, explicitly sworn in the name of Yahweh, was considered a sacred _bᵉrîyth_, making its rupture an act of profound spiritual and political transgression that invited divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt":** This clause unequivocally identifies Zedekiah's rebellious act. "He" refers to King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, and "him" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king who had installed Zedekiah as a vassal ruler. The specific action of "sending his ambassadors into Egypt" denotes a formal, calculated diplomatic maneuver to seek an alliance, representing a clear and undeniable breach of his sworn fealty and allegiance to Babylon.
* **"that they might give him horses and much people.":** This segment precisely articulates the strategic objective of Zedekiah's embassy: to secure substantial military aid from Egypt. "Horses" specifically refers to cavalry, a highly significant and potent component of ancient armies, while "much people" denotes a large and formidable infantry force. This highlights Zedekiah's desperate reliance on foreign military might and worldly alliances rather than placing his trust in divine protection or faithfully adhering to his sacred oath.
* **"Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]?":** These are the first two rhetorical questions posed, emphatically asserting that Zedekiah will neither "prosper" (succeed in his audacious rebellion) nor "escape" (avoid the inevitable and severe consequences of his actions). The phrase "that doeth such [things]" refers directly to the grave act of rebellion and covenant-breaking, powerfully implying that such behavior inherently leads to certain failure, divine judgment, and inescapable ruin.
* **"or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?":** This final, powerful rhetorical question further underscores the absolute impossibility of a positive outcome for Zedekiah. It directly links his act of "breaking the covenant" (his solemn oath to Babylon, which was witnessed and sanctioned by God) with the question of whether he will "be delivered" (rescued from the inevitable divine judgment). The answer, implicitly conveyed by the rhetorical nature of the question, is a resounding and emphatic "No," thereby emphasizing the absolute certainty of divine retribution for such a grave and sacrilegious transgression.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:15 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment and unwavering divine justice. The most prominent device is **Rhetorical Question**, utilized three times in rapid succession: "Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?" These questions are not posed to solicit information or invite debate, but rather to make a forceful, undeniable assertion, implying an absolute and inescapable negative answer. Their cumulative effect is to underscore the utter futility, moral bankruptcy, and certain doom of Zedekiah's rebellious and treacherous actions. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Application of Allegory**, transitioning seamlessly from the rich symbolic narrative of the two eagles and the vine presented in [Ezekiel 17:1-10](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - Parable of the Eagles and the Vine") to its literal and explicit interpretation in Zedekiah's specific act of betrayal. This transition makes the abstract parable concretely relevant and powerfully applicable to the unfolding historical situation. There is also a profound element of **Irony** inherent in Zedekiah's desperate pursuit of "horses and much people" from Egypt. While seemingly a shrewd strategic move for national security, it paradoxically proves to be the very action that irrevocably seals his and Judah's destruction, powerfully demonstrating the vanity and ultimate self-destruction inherent in relying on human strength and cunning over divine faithfulness and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:15 stands as a profound theological declaration on the inviolable sanctity of covenants, the severe consequences of rebellion against God's divinely appointed order, and the inherent futility of trusting in human strength over divine sovereignty. Zedekiah's broken oath was not merely a political miscalculation or a diplomatic blunder; it was a grave spiritual affront directly aimed at Yahweh, in whose sacred name the covenant was solemnly sworn. God views covenant-breaking with the utmost seriousness, as it fundamentally undermines the very fabric of trust, faithfulness, and integrity upon which His relationship with humanity is meticulously built. This audacious act of rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, whom God had explicitly chosen and appointed as His instrument of judgment, was, in essence, an act of rebellion against God Himself. The piercing rhetorical questions posed in the verse powerfully highlight God's unwavering justice and the inescapable consequences for those who defiantly defy His will and desperately seek security apart from Him, thereby demonstrating with absolute certainty that true prosperity, lasting security, and genuine deliverance come only through unwavering faithfulness and humble obedience to the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:18-19](/jeremiah/2-18 "Jeremiah 2:18-19 - The Folly of Seeking Foreign Alliances")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - Trust in God, Not Human Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:15 serves as a timeless and potent cautionary tale, urging all believers to deeply consider the profound gravity of their commitments and the ultimate source of their trust. In a world that frequently prioritizes expediency, self-interest, and immediate gratification, Zedekiah's catastrophic failure serves as a stark reminder of the profound and enduring importance of integrity and the sacred duty of keeping our word, not merely to other human beings, but ultimately before the omniscient gaze of God. Every promise made, every contract entered into, every oath sworn—whether explicitly spiritual or seemingly secular in nature—carries an implicit divine witness. Furthermore, this verse powerfully challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate reliance. Do we, like Zedekiah, instinctively look to worldly power, influential human connections, or our own ingenuity and cunning for security, success, and deliverance, or do we truly and humbly trust in God's sovereign plan and His unfailing provision? Authentic security, lasting prosperity, and genuine peace are found not in desperate, self-serving alliances or strategic maneuvering that directly contradict divine principles, but exclusively in humble obedience and unwavering faith in the Lord. Disobedience, even when cleverly cloaked in political necessity or pragmatic reasoning, inevitably leads to dire and inescapable consequences, for God’s justice is as certain and immutable as His boundless mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to break commitments or compromise integrity for perceived personal gain or a false sense of security?**
* **In what specific areas do I tend to rely on my own strength, worldly wisdom, or human solutions rather than trusting in God's perfect provision and divine guidance?**
* **How does the certainty of divine justice and the inevitability of consequences presented in this verse shape my understanding of God's holy character and my own personal accountability before Him?**
* **What practical and concrete steps can I take this week to deepen my trust in God and live with greater integrity, honesty, and faithfulness in all my relationships and responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Who are "he" and "him" in Ezekiel 17:15?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 17:15, "he" refers to King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar had installed as a vassal ruler in Jerusalem. "Him" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, the formidable King of Babylon, to whom Zedekiah had sworn a solemn and binding oath of allegiance. The verse precisely describes Zedekiah's act of rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar's established authority by seeking a military alliance with Egypt.

**What was the significance of Zedekiah's covenant with Babylon?**

Answer: Zedekiah's covenant with Babylon was a profoundly solemn oath of allegiance sworn in the sacred name of Yahweh, the God of Israel. In the ancient Near East, such oaths were considered exceptionally binding and were often seen as having divine witnesses, invoking divine judgment upon their violation. For Zedekiah, breaking this covenant was not merely a political betrayal of Nebuchadnezzar but a profound and sacrilegious spiritual transgression against God Himself. God had explicitly used Babylon as His instrument of judgment against Judah, and Zedekiah's oath was an integral part of God's divinely established order. His audacious violation of this oath, as meticulously explained in [Ezekiel 17:18-19](/ezekiel/17-18 "Ezekiel 17:18-19 - The Broken Covenant and God's Oath"), directly incurred God's severe wrath and irrevocably sealed Judah's tragic fate.

**Why was seeking help from Egypt considered a rebellion against God?**

Answer: Seeking help from Egypt was considered a rebellion against God for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it was a direct and flagrant violation of Zedekiah's sacred oath to Nebuchadnezzar, which was sworn in God's holy name. Breaking such an oath was an egregious affront to God's holiness, His covenant faithfulness, and His very character. Secondly, relying on Egypt's military strength—specifically "horses and much people"—demonstrated a profound lack of trust in God's ability or willingness to protect Judah. Throughout their tumultuous history, Israel was repeatedly warned against forming alliances with foreign powers, particularly Egypt, and instead consistently encouraged to rely solely on the Lord for their security and deliverance (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to the Rebellious Children")). Zedekiah's act was a clear rejection of divine counsel and a dangerous preference for worldly solutions over divine sovereignty, thereby constituting a direct rebellion against God's revealed will and His established order for Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:15, with its stark and somber portrayal of a broken covenant and the inevitable judgment that inexorably follows, finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect obedience and unwavering covenant faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Zedekiah's audacious rebellion and his desperate reliance on transient worldly power stand in dramatic and illuminating contrast to Christ's unwavering and perfect submission to the Father's divine will, even unto the ignominious death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where Zedekiah broke his sacred oath and foolishly sought deliverance through fragile human strength, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every intricate aspect of God's covenant with humanity, establishing a "better covenant" founded upon infinitely superior promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). The piercing rhetorical questions in Ezekiel 17:15—"Shall he prosper? shall he escape...?"—powerfully highlight the utter futility of human rebellion and self-reliance. In Christ, however, we discover the one who truly did prosper, not by escaping judgment, but by courageously enduring it in our place and on our behalf. He is the true "deliverer" who, through His sacrificial atonement, secures our ultimate escape from the damning consequences of our own covenant-breaking and rebellion against God ([Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - The Deliverer from Zion")). Unlike Zedekiah, who desperately sought horses and people from Egypt, Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and in Him, all of God's magnificent promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). His perfect faithfulness ensures that all who are in Him will genuinely prosper and be eternally delivered, not by their own flawed merits or fleeting alliances, but solely by His finished, redemptive work.

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 Kings 24:20

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 34:3

And thou shalt not escape out of his hand, but shalt surely be taken, and delivered into his hand; and thine eyes shall behold the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with thee mouth to mouth, and thou shalt go to Babylon.

Jeremiah 38:18

But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and thou shalt not escape out of their hand.

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.

Ezekiel 17:7

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

Deuteronomy 17:16

But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.

Jeremiah 52:3

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.