Ezekiel 17:2

KJV

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, put forth {H2330} a riddle {H2420}, and speak {H4911} a parable {H4912} unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, propound this riddle, tell the house of Isra'el this allegory,

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel

American Standard Version

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:2 serves as a divine command to the prophet Ezekiel, instructing him to deliver a complex and multifaceted message to the exiled Israelites through the distinct literary forms of a "riddle" and a "parable." This directive sets the stage for the unfolding allegory in the subsequent verses, designed to challenge the spiritual dullness of God's people and illuminate the profound implications of their political alliances and covenant unfaithfulness, ultimately revealing God's sovereign judgment and redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of prophetic pronouncements concerning Jerusalem's destruction and the exiles' spiritual state. [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - The Unfaithful Wife") vividly portrays Jerusalem's unfaithfulness as an unchaste wife, setting a tone of deep spiritual indictment. Chapter 17 then shifts to a new mode of divine communication, moving from direct accusation to symbolic narrative. The riddle and parable introduced in [Ezekiel 17:2](/ezekiel/17-2 "Ezekiel 17:2 - The Command to Speak a Riddle and Parable") are subsequently explained by God Himself in [Ezekiel 17:11-21](/ezekiel/17-11 "Ezekiel 17:11-21 - Interpretation of the Riddle and Parable"), revealing their specific historical referents: the great eagles represent Babylon and Egypt, and the vine symbolizes the Davidic kingship in Judah. This structure—prophetic command, symbolic narrative, divine interpretation—is characteristic of Ezekiel's prophetic style, designed to engage, challenge, and ultimately reveal God's truth to a resistant audience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, who had been deported after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. Many of these exiles, including King Jehoiachin, held onto false hopes of a swift return to Jerusalem and continued to trust in political alliances rather than in God. Specifically, Judah's remaining king, Zedekiah, had sworn an oath of allegiance to Babylon but was secretly negotiating with Egypt for military support, a betrayal of his covenant with Nebuchadnezzar and, more importantly, a defiance of God's revealed will. The use of riddles and parables was a common pedagogical and rhetorical device in the ancient Near East, employed to convey complex truths, challenge listeners, or even to obscure meaning from the uninitiated. God's choice of these forms reflects His adaptation to the cultural idiom while simultaneously demanding deeper engagement from His audience, the rebellious [house of Israel](/ezekiel/12-2 "Ezekiel 12:2 - The Rebellious House of Israel").

* **Key Themes:** The introduction of a riddle and a parable in this verse highlights several major themes pervading the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Communication Through Symbolism**, where God employs vivid, often enigmatic, imagery to convey profound spiritual and historical truths. This method not only captures attention but also serves to test the spiritual discernment of the audience, distinguishing those who genuinely seek understanding from those whose hearts are hardened (as seen in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Calling to Attention and Spiritual Discernment** of the "house of Israel." By presenting the message as a "riddle" and a "parable," God compels a people prone to spiritual dullness to listen intently and grapple with the implications of their choices. Finally, the underlying message of the forthcoming parable points to the themes of **Covenant Faithfulness and Impending Judgment**. The narrative of the vine and eagles, though initially obscure, subtly foreshadows the consequences of Judah's broken covenants—both with Babylon and, more fundamentally, with God—and the inevitable divine judgment that will follow their reliance on human alliances rather than divine faithfulness, a recurring motif throughout [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Prophecies of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This composite phrase, frequently used in Ezekiel (over 90 times), serves as a divine address to the prophet. "Son" (H1121, _bên_) denotes a descendant or a member of a class, while "man" (H120, _ʼâdâm_) refers to a human being, individual, or mankind. Together, the phrase emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine source of the message, highlighting his role as a mere messenger for the Almighty. It underscores the vast chasm between the divine speaker and the human recipient, yet also affirms God's choice to communicate through a mortal vessel.
* **riddle (Hebrew, _chîydâh'_):** (H2420) Derived from a root meaning "to tie a knot," this term signifies a puzzle, a conundrum, an enigmatic saying, or a dark sentence that requires interpretation. Its use here indicates that the message will not be immediately obvious but will demand careful thought and spiritual discernment to unravel its hidden meaning. It implies a challenge to the listener's intellect and spiritual comprehension, designed to provoke deeper engagement than a straightforward pronouncement.
* **parable (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** (H4912) This broad term encompasses a proverb, an allegory, a similitude, or a prophetic discourse. It often involves a comparison or an extended narrative designed to illustrate a moral or spiritual truth. In this context, it functions as a complex allegory that will be explained by God Himself later in the chapter, serving as a powerful, memorable, and illustrative vehicle for conveying God's judgment and redemptive plan concerning Judah's political alliances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This opening phrase is God's direct address to Ezekiel, a common appellation throughout the book. It serves to identify the recipient of the divine command and underscores his human nature, emphasizing that the message originates from God and is merely delivered through His chosen prophet.
* **"put forth a riddle,"**: This is the first of two commands given to Ezekiel. To "put forth" (H2330, _chûwd_) means to propound or present. A "riddle" (H2420, _chîydâh_) is an obscure or perplexing statement requiring interpretation. This instruction indicates that the message will be presented in a veiled, challenging manner, designed to provoke thought and reveal the spiritual state of the listeners.
* **"and speak a parable"**: This is the second command, closely linked to the first. To "speak" (H4911, _mâshal_) here means to use figurative language or to liken. A "parable" (H4912, _mâshâl_) is a broader form of illustrative narrative or comparison. The combination of "riddle" and "parable" suggests a multi-layered, symbolic message that will unfold as an extended allegory, demanding careful attention and later divine explanation.
* **"unto the house of Israel;"**: This specifies the intended audience for Ezekiel's message. The "house of Israel" refers to the exiled Jewish community in Babylon, who were the primary focus of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. Despite their rebellion and spiritual dullness, God continued to communicate with them, seeking to bring them to repentance and understanding of their true condition and His sovereign plan.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:2 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and convey its theological depth. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, the direct address "Son of man," which immediately establishes the divine speaker and the prophet's role as a human messenger. This consistent address throughout Ezekiel highlights the prophet's humanity in contrast to God's omnipotence. The core of the verse lies in its use of **Didacticism**, as it is an explicit command to teach and communicate. God is instructing Ezekiel on the method of delivering a crucial message. Central to this method are the devices of **Riddle** (_chîydâh_) and **Parable** (_mâshâl_). These are forms of **Allegory** or extended metaphor, designed to present complex truths through symbolic narrative. The riddle's obscurity demands interpretation, while the parable's illustrative nature provides a narrative framework. This combined approach creates a sense of **Enigma**, compelling the audience to engage intellectually and spiritually with the message, rather than passively receiving it. The use of such symbolic language also points to **Symbolism** itself, where the elements within the subsequent narrative (e.g., eagles, vine) will stand for specific historical entities and actions, requiring a key to unlock their meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:2 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign choice in the manner of His revelation, often employing symbolic and challenging forms to engage a resistant audience and reveal deeper truths. The use of a "riddle" and "parable" underscores the principle that divine truth, while accessible, often requires spiritual discernment and active engagement from the listener. This method serves not only to convey information but also to test the heart, distinguishing those who genuinely seek understanding from those who remain spiritually dull. It highlights God's patience and persistent efforts to communicate with His people, even in their rebellion, aiming to expose their sin and call them to repentance by revealing the consequences of their unfaithfulness and reliance on human alliances rather than divine faithfulness.

* [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12-14 - Samson's Riddle")
* [Proverbs 1:6](/proverbs/1-6 "Proverbs 1:6 - Understanding Proverbs and Riddles")
* [Matthew 13:34](/matthew/13-34 "Matthew 13:34-35 - Jesus Speaking in Parables")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:2 serves as a powerful reminder that God's communication is not always straightforward; sometimes, it comes in forms that require us to lean in, to ponder, and to seek deeper understanding. In a world that often craves instant answers and superficial engagement, this verse calls us to cultivate a posture of patient and discerning listening to God's Word. Just as the house of Israel was challenged to unravel the meaning of the riddle and parable, we too are invited to move beyond a cursory reading of Scripture, to wrestle with its complexities, and to allow its truths to penetrate our hearts and minds. This demands a humble spirit, acknowledging that God's wisdom far surpasses our own, and a diligent pursuit of understanding through prayer, study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, it encourages us to consider how God might be speaking to us through circumstances, relationships, or even the "riddles" of life, prompting us to seek His interpretation and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be speaking to me through a "riddle" or "parable," requiring deeper reflection rather than an immediate answer?**
* **How does my approach to reading Scripture reflect a desire for superficial understanding versus a commitment to diligent study and spiritual discernment?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more attentive and discerning heart, open to God's multifaceted ways of communication?**

### FAQ

**Why did God choose to speak in a riddle and parable to the house of Israel?**

Answer: God chose to speak in a riddle and parable for several profound reasons. Firstly, it was a common and effective pedagogical method in the ancient Near East, designed to capture attention and engage the audience more deeply than a simple pronouncement. The enigmatic nature of a riddle compels listeners to ponder and seek its meaning, while a parable provides a memorable narrative framework for complex truths. Secondly, for a people who had become spiritually dull and rebellious, this method served to test their hearts and reveal their true spiritual condition. As seen in [Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables"), parables can both reveal truth to those with "ears to hear" and obscure it from those who are hardened. God's use of this method in Ezekiel was a challenge to the exiles to awaken their spiritual discernment and confront their self-deception regarding their political alliances and covenant unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:2, with its command to "put forth a riddle, and speak a parable," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel was commanded to speak a riddle and parable about earthly kings and political alliances, Jesus Himself became the embodiment of divine truth, often speaking in parables to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Just as Ezekiel's symbolic message aimed to expose Israel's unfaithfulness and point to God's sovereign judgment and future restoration, Jesus' parables, such as the [Parable of the Sower](/matthew/13-1 "Matthew 13:1-23 - The Parable of the Sower") or the [Parable of the Wicked Tenants](/matthew/21-33 "Matthew 21:33-46 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants"), exposed the spiritual blindness and rebellion of His generation, particularly the religious leaders, while simultaneously revealing the nature of God's redemptive plan. The "riddle" of God's plan, hidden for ages, is fully unveiled in Christ, who is the wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). He is the ultimate "Son of Man" ([Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - Son of Man Coming with the Clouds of Heaven")), not merely a prophet, but the divine-human mediator who perfectly communicates God's will. Through His life, death, and resurrection, the deepest riddles of sin, judgment, and salvation are solved, and the grand parable of God's love for humanity is fully enacted, inviting all to enter His kingdom through faith ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 20:49

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 13:13

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Matthew 13:14

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Judges 9:8

The trees went forth [on a time] to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.

Judges 9:15

And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, [then] come [and] put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

Mark 4:33

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear [it].