Ezekiel 17:20

KJV

And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will spread {H6566} my net {H7568} upon him, and he shall be taken {H8610} in my snare {H4686}, and I will bring {H935} him to Babylon {H894}, and will plead {H8199} with him there for his trespass {H4603} that he hath trespassed {H4604} against me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will spread my net over him, and he will be caught in my snare; I will bring him to Bavel and bring him to judgment there for breaking faith with me.

Berean Standard Bible

I will spread My net over him and catch him in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there for the treason he committed against Me.

American Standard Version

And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will enter into judgment with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:20 serves as a powerful and definitive declaration of divine judgment against King Zedekiah of Judah, marking the climax of the elaborate parable of the two eagles and the vine. It vividly portrays God's sovereign and inescapable action in ensnaring Zedekiah, bringing him to Babylon, and holding him to account for his profound treachery. This verse underscores the severe and certain consequences of breaking a solemn covenant made in God's name, revealing the Lord's righteous indignation, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His absolute control over the destinies of nations and their rulers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic pronouncement of judgment within the intricate 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 symbolizes King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who removed King Jehoiachin from the throne of Judah and installed Zedekiah as a vassal king, represented by the tender shoot of a cedar planted by great waters. The vine itself represents the remnant of Judah under Zedekiah's rule. The second great eagle represents Pharaoh of Egypt. Zedekiah's "trespass" (v. 20) refers to his egregious act of breaking the solemn oath of allegiance he had sworn to Nebuchadnezzar, which was explicitly ratified in the Lord's name. This betrayal involved Zedekiah secretly seeking military aid from Egypt to throw off Babylonian dominance, as detailed in [Ezekiel 17:15](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15 - Zedekiah's Rebellion Against Babylon"). God views this political betrayal not merely as a human geopolitical maneuver but as a direct affront to His own divine authority and a violation of covenant faithfulness, as powerfully articulated in [Ezekiel 17:19](/ezekiel/17-19 "Ezekiel 17:19 - God's Indignation Over the Broken Oath"). The preceding verses meticulously detail the vine's rebellion and God's promise of its utter destruction, setting the stage for the precise and personal judgment pronounced upon Zedekiah in this culminating verse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 17:20 is the volatile period of the Babylonian exile, specifically between the first deportation of Judah's elite (597 BC) and the final, devastating destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). King Zedekiah, originally named Mattaniah, was installed by Nebuchadnezzar as a puppet king after the first siege of Jerusalem. In the ancient Near East, oaths of allegiance, particularly those sworn in the name of a deity, were considered profoundly binding and sacred. For a vassal king to break such an oath was an act of profound rebellion, not only against the suzerain power but also, and more significantly, against the deity invoked in the oath. Zedekiah's alliance with Egypt was a desperate, politically motivated attempt to escape Babylonian control, yet it fundamentally demonstrated a profound lack of faith in God's sovereign plan and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of his vow. The specified destination, "Babylon," was the formidable seat of Nebuchadnezzar's power and the very place of Judah's captivity, making it the fitting and inevitable location for Zedekiah's public judgment, humiliation, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - The Parable of the Eagles and the Vine") and this specific verse contribute significantly to several major theological themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel. The theme of **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God explicitly declares, "I will spread my net... I will bring him... I will plead with him," demonstrating His active and absolute control over nations and their leaders, even pagan rulers like Nebuchadnezzar, whom God uses as His instrument of judgment. The theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and its Consequences** is central; Zedekiah's broken oath, though initially made to a human king, is treated by God as a direct "trespass against me," highlighting the profound sanctity of vows made in His name and the severe repercussions for their violation, as also seen in [Ezekiel 17:18](/ezekiel/17-18 "Ezekiel 17:18 - The Broken Oath"). This directly ties into the theme of **Divine Justice**, as God meticulously details the punishment that precisely fits the crime, ensuring that all treachery, especially that which mocks His name, will be met with righteous retribution. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of the net and snare powerfully reinforces the theme of **Inescapable Judgment**, portraying God's judgment as an unavoidable trap for the unfaithful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **net (Hebrew, _resheth'_):** (H7568) This term refers specifically to a net used for catching animals, often birds. In this context, it vividly portrays God's method of capture, implying an inescapable, divinely orchestrated trap designed to seize Zedekiah. It emphasizes the certainty and effectiveness of God's judgment, much like a hunter's net ensures the capture of its prey, leaving no room for escape.
* **snare (Hebrew, _mâtsûwd'_):** (H4686) Meaning "a net" or "capture," this word reinforces the imagery of the `resheth` (net). It speaks to an inescapable device or a strong hold, emphasizing the futility of Zedekiah's resistance. The use of both "net" and "snare" underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment, ensuring Zedekiah's complete entrapment.
* **plead (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** (H8199) This is a rich and multifaceted term meaning "to judge," "to pronounce sentence (for or against)," "to vindicate or punish," or "to govern." In this divine context, it signifies God acting as the ultimate judge. It is not merely a verbal argument but a judicial process where God pronounces and executes sentence. He will confront Zedekiah directly, not just to argue, but to bring forth the verdict and administer the just punishment for his profound actions.
* **trespass (Hebrew, _mâʻal'_ / _maʻal'_):** (H4603 / H4604) The primitive root `mâʻal` (H4603) means "to cover up," or figuratively, "to act covertly, i.e., treacherously," signifying a breach of trust or a violation of a sacred obligation. The noun `maʻal` (H4604) derived from it, means "treachery" or "sin." The repetition "his trespass that he hath trespassed" (using both forms) powerfully emphasizes the gravity, deliberateness, and profound nature of Zedekiah's offense, highlighting it as a deep act of disloyalty and unfaithfulness directly against God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will spread my net upon him":** This opening clause initiates the declaration of divine judgment, firmly establishing God as the active and sovereign agent. The imagery of spreading a net signifies a deliberate, strategic, and inescapable act of ensnarement. It implies that Zedekiah's fate is not accidental or merely a consequence of human politics, but a direct and orchestrated result of God's sovereign intervention, ensuring his capture.
* **"and he shall be taken in my snare":** This phrase powerfully reinforces the preceding clause, emphasizing the absolute certainty and completeness of Zedekiah's capture. The "snare" (H4686, _mâtsûwd_) further solidifies the idea of an inescapable trap, assuring that Zedekiah, despite his desperate efforts to escape Babylonian dominion, will inevitably fall into God's appointed judgment, confirming the futility of his resistance.
* **"and I will bring him to Babylon":** This clause specifies the precise destination of Zedekiah's capture, which carries profound significance. Babylon was the capital of the empire he had betrayed and the very place where his solemn oath was made. Bringing him there signifies public humiliation, the complete reversal of his aspirations, and the undeniable fulfillment of the prophetic word, demonstrating God's power to execute His will precisely in the very geographical and political context of the offense.
* **"and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me":** This final and most crucial clause reveals the ultimate purpose of Zedekiah's capture and exile: divine judgment and accountability. God will "plead" (judge) him directly for his "trespass," which is explicitly and unequivocally stated as an offense "against me." This highlights that Zedekiah's political betrayal of Nebuchadnezzar was not merely a human breach of contract, but fundamentally a spiritual rebellion and an act of profound unfaithfulness against the Lord, who had witnessed and ratified the oath. God's justice is not arbitrary but is a direct, righteous, and precise response to a specific, grievous sin that mocked His name and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:20 is exceptionally rich in **Metaphorical Language** and vivid **Imagery**, particularly through the use of the "net" and "snare." These are common biblical images symbolizing inescapable judgment or entrapment, effectively portraying God's sovereign control over events and likening Zedekiah's capture to that of an animal caught by a hunter, emphasizing the absolute futility of resistance. The phrase "I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare" also employs a strong form of **Parallelism**, reinforcing the idea of inevitable capture through two distinct but closely related images that amplify each other's meaning. Furthermore, the verse uses **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions such as "spreading a net," "bringing," and "pleading" to God, making His divine intervention tangible, relatable, and comprehensible to a human audience. The powerful **Repetition** of the root for "trespass" ("his trespass that he hath trespassed") serves as a profound **Emphasis**, underscoring the extreme severity, deliberateness, and inexcusable nature of Zedekiah's sin, thereby justifying the righteousness and certainty of God's judgment against it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:20 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly affairs and His unwavering commitment to perfect justice. Zedekiah's political maneuvering and broken oath were not merely human geopolitical incidents but were deeply offensive to God, who holds all leaders, and indeed all humanity, accountable for their actions and fidelity to vows. This verse powerfully reveals that God is not a passive observer of human history but an active, orchestrating participant, meticulously bringing about events to fulfill His righteous purposes. His "pleading" is a judicial act, demonstrating that He is the ultimate judge who will confront sin directly and ensure that all treachery, especially that which involves breaking sacred vows made in His name, receives its just recompense. The divine judgment is portrayed as precise, inescapable, and perfectly aligned with the nature of the offense, highlighting the impeccable integrity and moral purity of God's character.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience to the Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 32:5](/jeremiah/32-5 "Jeremiah 32:5 - Zedekiah's Capture and Exile Foretold")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God as a Righteous Judge Who Judges Righteously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:20 serves as a sobering and profound reminder that God's justice is not only certain but also meticulously precise and deeply personal. For believers today, it highlights the profound seriousness with which God views integrity, faithfulness, and the sanctity of promises and covenants. Our words, particularly those given solemnly or in the presence of others, carry immense weight in God's sight, far beyond their immediate human implications. This verse challenges us to consider that what might appear as mere political maneuvering, social convenience, or personal expediency in the eyes of the world is often seen by God as a direct trespass against His character, His authority, and His divine order. It calls us to live with unwavering faithfulness in all areas of life, recognizing that all our actions, especially those involving trust, commitment, and truthfulness, are ultimately performed before the Lord. We are reminded that there is no escaping God's discerning gaze or His righteous judgment for unrepentant sin, providing both a solemn warning for the unfaithful and a profound comfort for those who trust in His ultimate control and perfect justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be treating my commitments or "oaths"—whether to God, family, or community—lightly, perhaps even unknowingly?**
* **How does understanding God's active and personal role in judgment (spreading the net, taking in the snare, pleading directly) shape my view of His sovereignty and justice, and my own accountability?**
* **What "trespasses" in my own life, perhaps seemingly minor or hidden, might God view as a direct offense against Him, requiring repentance and reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "trespass" Zedekiah committed against God?**

Answer: Zedekiah's primary trespass was breaking a solemn oath of allegiance he had sworn to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This oath was made in the name of the Lord (Yahweh), making it not just a political agreement between human kings but a sacred covenant before God Himself. By seeking an alliance with Egypt to rebel against Babylon, Zedekiah violated this divine oath, which God considered a direct act of treachery, unfaithfulness, and contempt for His name, as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 17:19](/ezekiel/17-19 "Ezekiel 17:19 - God's Reaction to the Broken Oath").

**Why was Zedekiah brought to Babylon for judgment?**

Answer: Babylon was the fitting and divinely appointed location for Zedekiah's judgment for several profound reasons. Firstly, it was the capital of the formidable empire he had betrayed, making his humiliation public and complete in the very place of his offense. Secondly, it was the destination of the Jewish exiles, and Zedekiah's arrival there would signify the complete and undeniable fulfillment of God's prophecy regarding Judah's captivity and the end of its monarchy. Thirdly, the oath he broke was made to the Babylonian king, so his "pleading" (judgment) would occur precisely where the covenant was originally established, underscoring the precise and just nature of God's retribution. This act powerfully demonstrated God's absolute control over earthly kingdoms and His unwavering determination to execute judgment where the sin was committed, a theme consistently found throughout the prophetic books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah "The Book of Jeremiah") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:20, with its stark portrayal of God's inescapable judgment for profound trespass and broken covenant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While King Zedekiah was caught in God's net of judgment for his own treachery and rebellion, Christ, the perfect and innocent Son of God, willingly entered the "snare" of divine wrath on behalf of humanity. The "trespass that he hath trespassed against me" (referring to Zedekiah's specific sin) is a powerful foreshadowing of the universal human condition of sin and rebellion against God, which is truly a "trespass against me" for all of us, as confessed in [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You Only Have I Sinned"). Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), was "brought to" a place of ultimate judgment—the cross—not for His own sin, but to "plead" (or atone) for the trespasses of the world ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice for Our Transgressions")). On the cross, God's righteous judgment against sin was fully poured out upon Him, satisfying the infinite demands of divine justice. Thus, through Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrection, those who believe in Him are miraculously freed from the "net" and "snare" of condemnation, finding complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God, demonstrating that God's ultimate purpose is not merely judgment, but also glorious redemption through the perfect obedience and atoning work of His Son ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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 2:35

Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.

Ezekiel 32:3

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will therefore spread out my net over thee with a company of many people; and they shall bring thee up in my net.

Ezekiel 20:35

And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.

Ezekiel 20:36

Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 39:5

But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.

Jeremiah 39:7

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