Ezekiel 17:18

KJV

Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these [things], he shall not escape.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seeing he despised {H959} the oath {H423} by breaking {H6565} the covenant {H1285}, when, lo, he had given {H5414} his hand {H3027}, and hath done {H6213} all these things, he shall not escape {H4422}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because he despised the oath by breaking the covenant to which he had sworn allegiance; having done all these things, he will not escape unpunished.'

Berean Standard Bible

He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’

American Standard Version

For he hath despised the oath by breaking the covenant; and behold, he had given his hand, and yet hath done all these things; he shall not escape.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:18 delivers a stark divine judgment against King Zedekiah of Judah for his profound breach of a solemn oath and covenant. Despite having pledged allegiance to Babylon by "giving his hand," Zedekiah deliberately despised this sacred commitment by seeking an alliance with Egypt. This verse unequivocally declares that such treachery, viewed by God as a direct affront to His own divine order and the sanctity of vows, will not go unpunished, ensuring Zedekiah's inescapable doom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic declaration within the complex allegory of the two eagles and the vine found in [Ezekiel 17:1-10](/ezekiel/17-1 "Ezekiel 17:1-10 - The Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine"). The first great eagle represents King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who had removed King Jehoiachin from the throne of Judah and installed Zedekiah as a vassal king. The "tender one" or "seed of the land" refers to Zedekiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar transplanted and established. The vine, representing Judah, was meant to remain loyal to Babylon. However, a second great eagle, representing Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt, enticed the vine (Zedekiah) to turn away from its allegiance. [Ezekiel 17:11-21](/ezekiel/17-11 "Ezekiel 17:11-21 - Interpretation of the Parable") explicitly interprets this parable, with verse 18 directly addressing Zedekiah's treachery and the divine consequences. The shift from allegorical narrative to direct prophetic pronouncement underscores the gravity of Zedekiah's actions and the certainty of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, King Jehoiachin was deported to Babylon, and his uncle Mattaniah was placed on the throne, his name changed to Zedekiah (meaning "My righteousness is Yahweh"). As a vassal king, Zedekiah swore a solemn oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar, likely in the name of Yahweh, as was customary for such treaties in the ancient Near East. This oath was not merely a political agreement but a sacred covenant, often involving rituals like passing between cut animals (as implied by the Hebrew root for "covenant," *bᵉrîyth*). Despite this sacred pledge, Zedekiah rebelled, seeking military aid from Egypt, a move that directly defied Babylon and, by extension, the divine will that had established Nebuchadnezzar's authority. The act of "giving his hand" was a universally recognized gesture of solemn commitment, alliance, or submission in the ancient world, reinforcing the binding nature of his promise.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted in [Ezekiel 17:18](/ezekiel/17-18 "Ezekiel 17:18 - Zedekiah's Broken Covenant") is the **sanctity of oaths and covenants**. God views Zedekiah's breach of faith not merely as a political misstep but as a profound moral and spiritual transgression. Oaths made in God's name, or even implied under His watchful eye, carry divine weight, as seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Importance of Vows")). This leads directly to the theme of **divine justice and retribution**. God, being righteous, cannot overlook such blatant disregard for truth and faithfulness. Zedekiah's actions set in motion an inescapable divine judgment, demonstrating that God holds both individuals and nations accountable for their integrity. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **consequences of disobedience and rebellion** against both established human authority (which God often uses as His instrument, as in [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")) and, ultimately, against God's own principles. Zedekiah's treachery sealed Judah's fate, leading to the final destruction of Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **despised (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** From H959. This word signifies to scorn, disdain, or treat with contempt. It implies a deliberate, willful act of showing utter disregard or disrespect for something that ought to be held in high esteem. Zedekiah's action was not an accidental oversight or a reluctant necessity, but a contemptuous rejection of the solemn oath he had sworn.
* **oath (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** From H423. This term refers to an imprecation, a curse, or a solemn swearing. It denotes a vow or promise made under a curse, meaning that if the promise is broken, the one who swore it would fall under the invoked curse. Such oaths were considered extremely binding and were often made in the presence of or by invoking a deity.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285. Derived from a root meaning "to cut," referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in half and parties passing between them to seal a compact. A *bᵉrîyth* is a binding agreement, a treaty, or a solemn pact. In this context, it refers to the formal, binding agreement Zedekiah made with Nebuchadnezzar, which, by implication, was under God's sanction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing he despised the oath":** This clause immediately establishes the core transgression. Zedekiah did not merely forget or inadvertently break his promise; he actively "despised" it, treating it with utter contempt and disregard. The "oath" refers to the sacred vow of allegiance he made to Nebuchadnezzar.
* **"by breaking the covenant":** This specifies the manner in which the oath was despised—through the active violation of the formal treaty or pact. The "covenant" here is synonymous with the oath, emphasizing its binding and sacred nature, which Zedekiah willfully shattered.
* **"when, lo, he had given his hand":** This powerful idiomatic phrase underscores the solemnity and public nature of Zedekiah's original commitment. "Giving one's hand" (Hebrew: *nâthan yâd*) was a common ancient Near Eastern gesture signifying a pledge of allegiance, a formal agreement, or a solemn oath, akin to shaking hands or signing a document today. It highlights that Zedekiah's treachery was not a secret act but a betrayal of a publicly acknowledged and ceremonially sealed promise.
* **"and hath done all these [things]":** This broad phrase encompasses the full scope of Zedekiah's rebellious actions—his contempt for the oath, his active breaking of the covenant, and his seeking of foreign aid from Egypt. It emphasizes the totality and deliberateness of his defiance against the established order and, by extension, against God's will.
* **"he shall not escape":** This is the definitive pronouncement of divine judgment. It signifies the absolute certainty of punishment and the futility of any attempt by Zedekiah to evade the consequences of his actions. God's justice is unwavering, and there will be no reprieve or successful flight from the decreed retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Pronouncement/Oracle**, where God Himself speaks directly, lending absolute authority and certainty to the judgment. The phrase "he shall not escape" functions as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of Zedekiah's inevitable capture, blinding, and deportation, as recorded later in [2 Kings 25:6-7](/2_kings/25-6 "2 Kings 25:6-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment"). The use of the idiom "given his hand" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical action of giving the hand stands in for the abstract concept of a solemn pledge or covenant. This idiom also serves as a stark **Contrast** to Zedekiah's subsequent actions; the very hand that pledged loyalty now breaks it, highlighting his profound hypocrisy and treachery. The entire chapter, leading up to this verse, is an **Allegory** (the two eagles and the vine), which serves to veil the truth initially, only to reveal it with devastating clarity in the interpretation, making the direct pronouncement of verse 18 all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:18 powerfully underscores God's profound regard for the sanctity of oaths and covenants, reflecting a foundational principle of divine character: faithfulness. God Himself is utterly trustworthy, a covenant-keeping God, and He expects integrity from His people and their leaders. Zedekiah's betrayal was not merely a political miscalculation but a spiritual offense, as it demonstrated a contempt for truth and a disregard for promises made, implicitly or explicitly, before God. This passage reveals that God actively oversees the affairs of nations and holds rulers accountable, even when their actions are against other human powers. His justice is unwavering, ensuring that deliberate acts of treachery and covenant-breaking will inevitably face divine retribution, demonstrating that no one can ultimately escape the consequences of their rebellion against His moral order.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Sanctity of Vows")
* [Psalm 15:4](/psalm/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - Integrity of the Righteous")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:18 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and the sanctity of our word. In a world where commitments are often easily made and just as easily broken, this verse calls us to a higher standard. It challenges us to consider that every promise, every agreement, and every vow we make carries weight, not just with other people, but ultimately before God. Our integrity in small matters reflects our character and our reverence for the God of truth. Just as Zedekiah's political maneuvering was seen as a spiritual offense, our daily commitments—whether in marriage, business, friendship, or ministry—are observed by God. We are called to be people whose "yes" means yes and whose "no" means no, recognizing that a casual disregard for our word can, in principle, mirror the contempt Zedekiah showed for his sacred oath. This passage urges us to cultivate a deep-seated faithfulness, understanding that genuine freedom comes not from breaking commitments, but from honoring them, and that true escape from judgment is found only in God's grace, not in human deceit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise on my word or commitments for personal gain or convenience?**
* **How does my understanding of God's faithfulness influence my commitment to being a person of integrity?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to ensure that my "yes" is truly "yes" and my "no" is truly "no" in all my dealings?**
* **How does the certainty of divine judgment for broken covenants encourage me to rely more fully on God's grace and forgiveness?**

### FAQ
**Why was Zedekiah's broken oath considered so serious by God?**

Answer: Zedekiah's broken oath was considered gravely serious by God for several reasons. Firstly, oaths in the ancient Near East, especially those sworn by kings, were not merely political agreements but sacred covenants often made in the name of a deity. Breaking such an oath was seen as a direct affront to the invoked deity. Secondly, God had sovereignly appointed Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument to discipline Judah, and Zedekiah's oath to Babylon was, therefore, implicitly an oath under God's overarching plan. His rebellion against Babylon was thus a rebellion against God's established order, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 27:6-8](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6-8 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Finally, God is a God of truth and faithfulness, and He values integrity. Zedekiah's contempt for his solemn promise demonstrated a profound lack of moral and spiritual character that God could not overlook.

**How does this apply to modern-day political or business agreements?**

Answer: While modern political and business agreements may not always involve explicit religious oaths, the underlying principle of integrity and the sanctity of one's word remains profoundly relevant. Ezekiel 17:18 teaches that God values faithfulness and truthfulness in all human dealings. For believers, this means that our commitments, whether verbal or written, should be honored as if made before God Himself. Breaking promises, engaging in deceit, or violating contracts not only damages human relationships and trust but also reflects poorly on one's character and, ultimately, on one's witness as a follower of Christ. The principle of accountability for one's actions, and the understanding that there are consequences for dishonesty, applies universally, even if the "escape" is not always a dramatic, national catastrophe but perhaps a loss of reputation, trust, or divine blessing.

**What does "he shall not escape" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "he shall not escape" signifies the absolute certainty and inevitability of divine judgment and punishment for Zedekiah's treachery. It means that all his attempts to evade the consequences of his actions—his alliance with Egypt, his flight from Jerusalem—would ultimately be futile. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when Zedekiah was captured, his sons were executed before his eyes, and he was blinded and taken in chains to Babylon, where he died in captivity ([2 Kings 25:6-7](/2_kings/25-6 "2 Kings 25:6-7 - Zedekiah's Capture and Punishment")). Theologically, it underscores God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over human events. No one, regardless of their position or power, can ultimately escape God's righteous judgment when they defy His moral laws and principles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:18, with its stark declaration of judgment against a covenant-breaker, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant faithfulness in Jesus Christ. Zedekiah's failure highlights humanity's pervasive inability to keep its promises, especially to God. Yet, in contrast to Zedekiah's treachery, Jesus Christ is the quintessential covenant-keeper, the one through whom God's promises find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He perfectly fulfilled the Law and upheld every divine requirement, establishing a new and better covenant, "founded on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ's Superior Covenant")). While Zedekiah could not escape the consequences of his broken oath, Christ willingly embraced the ultimate judgment for humanity's covenant-breaking, dying on the cross to provide an escape for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through His sacrifice, believers are delivered from the inescapable judgment of sin, finding refuge and true freedom in His faithfulness. For those who reject His covenant of grace, however, the warning of "he shall not escape" remains, pointing to the final judgment where every deed will be brought to light ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Ezekiel 17:18 not only pronounces judgment on a faithless king but also magnifies the perfect faithfulness of Christ, who offers the only true escape from eternal consequence.

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

1 Chronicles 29:24

And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king.

2 Chronicles 30:8

Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers [were, but] yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.

Lamentations 5:6

We have given the hand [to] the Egyptians, [and to] the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.