Ezekiel 17:16

KJV

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, [even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

KJV (with Strong's)

As I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, surely in the place {H4725} where the king {H4428} dwelleth that made him king {H4427}, whose oath {H423} he despised {H959}, and whose covenant {H1285} he brake {H6565}, even with him in the midst {H8432} of Babylon {H894} he shall die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'As I live,' says Adonai ELOHIM, 'in the place where the king who gave him his throne lives, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke, there with him in Bavel I swear that he will die.

Berean Standard Bible

‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke.

American Standard Version

As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:16 serves as a solemn divine oath, declaring the inevitable judgment upon King Zedekiah of Judah for his profound treachery against Babylon. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God unequivocally pronounces that Zedekiah, who flagrantly despised his sworn oath and violated his covenant with the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar—the very monarch who had installed him on the throne—would surely die in Babylon, the heart of his captor's domain. This powerful verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to upholding justice, even when it involves the actions of pagan rulers and the severe consequences of broken human agreements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal declaration within the elaborate allegory of the two eagles and the vine found in [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - The Parable of the Eagles and the Vine"). The first great eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who came to Jerusalem and took away the top of the cedar (King Jehoiachin and the elite) and planted a seed (Zedekiah) in fertile ground (Judah). The second great eagle represents Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt. The vine, symbolizing Zedekiah, turns its roots toward the second eagle, seeking military assistance, thereby breaking its allegiance to the first eagle. [Ezekiel 17:16](/ezekiel/17-16 "Ezekiel 17:16 - God's Judgment on Zedekiah") is God's direct, unequivocal interpretation and pronouncement of judgment on this act of rebellion. It explicitly states the fate of the unfaithful vine (Zedekiah), confirming that his betrayal of the Babylonian king's covenant is, in essence, a profound betrayal of God's sovereign plan for Judah's submission. The preceding verses, [Ezekiel 17:11-15](/ezekiel/17-11-15 "Ezekiel 17:11-15 - Interpretation of the Allegory"), meticulously explain the allegory, setting the stage for this definitive statement of divine judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 17:16 is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. Following this siege, King Jehoiachin was deported to Babylon along with many of Judah's elite. Nebuchadnezzar then placed Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, on the throne, changing his name to Zedekiah (meaning "My righteousness is Yahweh"). Zedekiah was compelled to swear a solemn oath of fealty to Nebuchadnezzar, making Judah a vassal state. In the ancient Near East, such oaths, often sworn in the name of a deity (even if a foreign one), were considered extremely binding. Their violation was a grave offense, carrying severe consequences, as it undermined the very fabric of international relations and trust. Zedekiah, however, rebelled against Babylon, seeking an alliance with Egypt. This move directly defied God's command for Judah to submit to Babylon, as conveyed through prophets like Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 27:6-8](/jeremiah/27-6-8 "Jeremiah 27:6-8 - Submission to Babylon Commanded")). This act of covenant-breaking was not merely a political miscalculation but a profound moral and spiritual failure in the eyes of God, who had permitted Babylon's rise as an instrument of His judgment.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 17:16](/ezekiel/17-16 "Ezekiel 17:16 - God's Judgment on Zedekiah") powerfully emphasizes several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and the Unwavering Word**, highlighted by the divine oath "As I live, saith the Lord GOD," which underscores God's absolute control over historical events and the certainty of His pronouncements. The verse also brings to the fore the **Consequences of Covenant Breaking**, illustrating that God holds all, even pagan kings and their vassals, accountable for integrity and faithfulness to sworn agreements. Zedekiah's broken oath, though made to a human king, is treated as a severe transgression because it defies the established order God permitted. This leads to the theme of the **Futility of Human Schemes** when they oppose God's will; Zedekiah's reliance on Egypt proved utterly useless against God's determined judgment. Finally, the verse speaks to **Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating that divine judgment is precise and proportionate, ensuring that Zedekiah's demise occurs in the very place of his betrayal, fulfilling prophecies of his capture and death in Babylon, as ultimately recorded in [2 Kings 25:7](/2_kings/25-7 "2 Kings 25:7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Fate").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Live (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, meaning "alive," "life," or "living." In the phrase "As I live, saith the Lord GOD," it functions as a divine oath, emphasizing God's very existence and vitality as the absolute guarantee of the truth and certainty of His declaration. It signifies that the pronouncement is as sure and unchangeable as God's own being, making the ensuing prophecy an irrevocable decree.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning "a compact," "confederacy," or "league." This term often carries the sense of "cutting," referring to the ancient practice of cutting animals in two and passing between the pieces to seal a solemn agreement, symbolizing the fate of the party who breaks the covenant. This signifies a formal, binding agreement between parties. Zedekiah's violation of this _bᵉrîyth_ with Nebuchadnezzar was a direct act of rebellion against the established order and, implicitly, against God's sovereign will, leading to the severe judgment pronounced in this verse.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, a primitive root meaning "to die" (literally or figuratively); causatively, "to kill." This word unequivocally states Zedekiah's ultimate, literal fate. The certainty of his death in Babylon, as declared by God, highlights the inescapable consequences of his disobedience and the finality of divine judgment, leaving no room for escape or reversal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely":** This opening clause constitutes the strongest possible divine oath in the Hebrew Bible, "As I live," affirming the absolute certainty and immutability of the prophecy. It is the "Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH), the sovereign and covenant-keeping God, who speaks, guaranteeing the absolute truth and inevitability of the declaration that follows. The addition of "surely" further reinforces this divine resolve and the unalterable nature of the pronouncement.
* **"in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king":** This segment precisely specifies both the location of Zedekiah's demise and identifies the wronged party. The "king that made him king" is Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who had installed Zedekiah as a vassal ruler over Judah. The "place where he dwelleth" refers to Babylon, emphasizing that Zedekiah's punishment will occur in the very heart of the domain of the one he so grievously betrayed.
* **"whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake":** This clause meticulously details Zedekiah's specific transgressions. He "despised" (treated with contempt and scorn) the solemn oath of allegiance he swore to Nebuchadnezzar and "brake" (violated, annulled, frustrated, or rendered ineffective) the formal covenant agreement. These actions were not merely political maneuvering or a strategic misstep but profound acts of disloyalty and moral failure, particularly grievous in an ancient culture that highly valued and enforced sworn commitments.
* **"[even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die":** This final, chilling clause pronounces the precise and inescapable judgment. Zedekiah will die "with him" (i.e., in the presence or under the authority of the Babylonian king, or at least within his territory) and definitively "in the midst of Babylon." This is a direct, inescapable consequence of his actions, a precise fulfillment of the divine judgment, and a stark contrast to his futile hopes of Egyptian deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact and underscore the gravity of God's word. The most prominent is the **Divine Oath**, "As I live, saith the Lord GOD," which functions as a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the absolute certainty and immutability of God's word. This oath elevates the pronouncement from a mere prediction to an unalterable decree, guaranteed by God's very existence and faithfulness. The verse also employs profound **Irony**, as Zedekiah, who sought to escape Babylonian dominion by breaking his oath and seeking foreign alliance, is condemned to die precisely "in the midst of Babylon." His desperate attempt at freedom leads directly to his ultimate captivity and demise in the very place he sought to avoid. Furthermore, the verse serves as a direct, unvarnished **Interpretation** of the preceding elaborate **Allegory** (the eagles and the vine). The literal language of this verse brings the abstract meaning of the symbolic narrative into sharp, concrete focus, providing clarity and leaving no room for misinterpretation of the preceding parable's dire implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:16 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and His meticulous attention to human integrity, even in secular agreements. The divine oath "As I live, saith the Lord GOD" proclaims that God's very character is the ultimate guarantee of His word's fulfillment; His justice is as certain as His existence. Zedekiah's broken oath and covenant, though made to a pagan king, are treated with utmost seriousness because they reflect a deeper rebellion against the divine order God had established, which included Judah's temporary submission to Babylon. This highlights that faithfulness to commitments, whether sacred or secular, is a reflection of one's reverence for God, who is Himself utterly faithful. The verse serves as a stark reminder that human schemes and political alliances, when contrary to God's revealed will, are futile and ultimately lead to divine judgment.

* [Numbers 14:28](/numbers/14-28 "Numbers 14:28 - God's Oath to Israel")
* [Psalm 89:34](/psalms/89-34 "Psalm 89:34 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:16 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to deeply consider the sanctity of our own words and commitments. If God holds a pagan king's oath with such gravity, how much more should we, as His people, uphold our promises and live with unblemished integrity? Our faithfulness in seemingly small matters, and in our interactions with all people, serves as a powerful reflection of the character of the God who is utterly true to His word. The verse also serves as a powerful warning against relying on human strength, cleverness, or strategic alliances when God has clearly revealed His path. Zedekiah's downfall came not from a lack of political acumen, but from a fundamental distrust in God's sovereign plan and a preference for self-reliance. For us, this means actively seeking God's will, submitting to His authority even when it seems counter-intuitive, difficult, or costly, and trusting that His plans, though they may involve hardship, ultimately lead to our good and His glory. It calls us to examine where we might be "despising an oath" or "breaking a covenant" in our lives—whether it's a commitment to God in our spiritual walk, to our spouse in marriage, to our church community, or even to our employer—and to repent and courageously realign our lives with divine truth and integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "despising an oath" or "breaking a covenant" by not upholding my commitments, whether to God or to others?**
* **How does Zedekiah's reliance on Egypt, rather than God's declared plan, challenge my own tendencies to seek human solutions or worldly alliances over divine guidance and trust?**
* **What does God's unwavering judgment in this verse teach me about the profound importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and faithfulness in all my dealings, both sacred and secular?**

### FAQ

**What was Zedekiah's specific transgression that led to this prophecy?**

Answer: Zedekiah's primary transgression was breaking the solemn oath and covenant he made with Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon. After Nebuchadnezzar had captured Jerusalem and deported King Jehoiachin, he installed Zedekiah as a vassal king, requiring a binding oath of allegiance. Zedekiah, however, sought to rebel against Babylon by forming an alliance with Egypt, directly violating his sworn commitment. This act of disloyalty and defiance of the established authority (which God had allowed to rise as an instrument of His judgment) was seen by God as a grave offense, leading to the severe judgment pronounced in [Ezekiel 17:16](/ezekiel/17-16 "Ezekiel 17:16 - Zedekiah's Judgment").

**Why was breaking an oath to a pagan king considered such a serious offense by God?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, oaths were considered sacred and binding, often sworn in the name of deities, even by pagan kings. While Nebuchadnezzar was a pagan, God had sovereignly used him as an instrument of His judgment against Judah, as seen in [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Therefore, Zedekiah's oath to Nebuchadnezzar, though made to a human ruler, was implicitly an oath under God's overarching sovereignty. Breaking it demonstrated a profound lack of integrity, a blatant disregard for solemn commitments, and ultimately, a rebellion against God's ordained path for Judah, which was temporary submission to Babylon. God holds all people, including leaders, accountable for their integrity and faithfulness to their word, as it reflects His own immutable character of truthfulness and covenant faithfulness.

**How was this prophecy fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy in [Ezekiel 17:16](/ezekiel/17-16 "Ezekiel 17:16 - Zedekiah's Judgment") was tragically fulfilled during Nebuchadnezzar's final siege of Jerusalem. After a prolonged siege, Jerusalem fell, and Zedekiah attempted to flee the city. He was captured in the plains of Jericho, brought before Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, where his sons were executed before his eyes, and then his own eyes were put out. He was subsequently bound in bronze chains and taken to Babylon, where he lived out his remaining days as a prisoner and eventually died. This devastating account is detailed in [2 Kings 25:1-7](/2_kings/25-1-7 "2 Kings 25:1-7 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Fate") and [Jeremiah 52:4-11](/jeremiah/52-4-11 "Jeremiah 52:4-11 - Zedekiah's Capture and Blindness"). The prophecy that he would die "in the midst of Babylon" was precisely fulfilled as he lived out his remaining days as a prisoner there.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:16, with its stark portrayal of a broken covenant, divine judgment, and the dire consequences of unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between Zedekiah's faithlessness and Jesus Christ's perfect faithfulness. Zedekiah broke a human covenant, leading to his death in Babylon and the further destruction of his people. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled the divine covenant, even to the point of death, to bring eternal life to all who believe. He is the true vine ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), unlike the unfaithful vine of Zedekiah, who never turned away from the Father's will but remained utterly obedient. Christ's obedience "unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")) stands in stark opposition to Zedekiah's rebellion and self-serving schemes. Furthermore, the judgment pronounced upon Zedekiah for breaking his oath foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all sin and covenant-breaking. Yet, in Christ, we find the establishment of a "better covenant, which was established on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The New Covenant")), sealed not with animal blood or human oaths, but with His own precious blood. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus secures eternal life for all who believe, delivering them from the "Babylon" of spiritual exile and the judgment due for their own broken covenants with God, bringing them into the promised land of His eternal kingdom ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")).

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 12:13

My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

Jeremiah 52:11

Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

Exodus 8:2

And if thou refuse to let [them] go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:

Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Jeremiah 39:7

Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.

Jeremiah 32:4

And Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his eyes;

Jeremiah 32:5

And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall he be until I visit him, saith the LORD: though ye fight with the Chaldeans, ye shall not prosper.