Ezekiel 17:22

KJV

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set [it]; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I will also take {H3947} of the highest branch {H6788} of the high {H7311} cedar {H730}, and will set {H5414} it; I will crop off {H6998} from the top {H7218} of his young twigs {H3127} a tender one {H7390}, and will plant {H8362} it upon an high {H1364} mountain {H2022} and eminent {H8524}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Adonai ELOHIM says, 'From the top of this tall cedar, from its highest branch, I will take a shoot and plant it myself on a high and prominent mountain.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will also take of the lofty top of the cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it upon a high and lofty mountain:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:22 marks a profound shift in the prophet's message, transitioning from a detailed allegory of Judah's rebellion and impending judgment to a glorious promise of divine restoration and Messianic hope. Following the condemnation of Zedekiah's treachery against Babylon, this verse unveils Yahweh's sovereign initiative to establish a new, righteous kingdom, symbolized by a tender shoot from the royal Davidic line, which He Himself will plant and exalt to universal prominence. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst human failure and national catastrophe, pointing forward to a future of ultimate divine triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 17 opens with an intricate riddle and its interpretation, delivered by the Lord GOD to Ezekiel. The riddle describes two great eagles and a cedar tree, allegorically representing Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Pharaoh of Egypt, and the Davidic monarchy in Judah. The first eagle (Babylon) takes the highest branch (King Jehoiachin) and plants it in a land of merchants (Babylon), establishing a vine (Zedekiah) in Judah. The second eagle (Egypt) then entices the vine (Zedekiah) to turn from its loyalty to the first eagle, breaking a solemn oath made in the name of the Lord. Verses 1-21 detail God's severe judgment upon Zedekiah for this covenant breach, promising to uproot the vine. However, Ezekiel 17:22 introduces a dramatic divine intervention, shifting from judgment to an unexpected promise of restoration. It is a prophetic oracle that stands in stark contrast to the preceding pronouncements of destruction, offering a beacon of hope for a future, divinely initiated kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel 17 is set during the Babylonian exile, specifically after the first deportation of Judah (597 BC), which included King Jehoiachin. King Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle, was installed by Nebuchadnezzar as a vassal king. The "oath" mentioned in the preceding verses refers to Zedekiah's sworn allegiance to Babylon, which he subsequently broke by seeking an alliance with Egypt. This act of political treachery, viewed as a direct affront to God's authority because the oath was made in His name, sealed Judah's fate. Cedars were highly prized in the ancient Near East, symbolizing strength, majesty, and royalty, especially those from Lebanon, often associated with the Solomonic temple and the Davidic palace. Planting on a "high mountain" would have evoked imagery of supreme authority and visibility, contrasting with the humble origins of the "tender one" and the prior humiliation of Judah's kings. The cultural understanding of covenants and oaths as binding, divinely witnessed agreements is crucial to grasping the severity of Zedekiah's sin and the righteousness of God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Central is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, emphasized by the repeated "I will" statements, signaling that God alone will bring about this future work, independent of human efforts or failures. It highlights God's ultimate control over history and destiny, even amidst human rebellion and national collapse, as also seen in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit"). The verse also introduces a profound **Messianic Prophecy**, foreshadowing the coming of a righteous ruler from the Davidic line. This "tender one" contrasts sharply with the "high cedar" and its "highest branch," suggesting a humble, unexpected origin for the one who would ultimately be exalted, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"). Furthermore, the promise to "plant [it] upon an high mountain and eminent" speaks to **Restoration and Exaltation**, symbolizing the future glory, universal dominion, and eternal nature of the Messiah's kingdom, which would supersede all earthly powers, as prophetically declared in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom"). Finally, the verse offers **Hope Amidst Judgment**, providing a vital counterpoint to the preceding condemnation and assuring that God's covenant promises, particularly to David's house, would ultimately be fulfilled through a new, divinely chosen leader.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound title, appearing as `H136` and `H3069` in the KJV text, emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness of God. `ʼĂdônây` (Lord) signifies God as the supreme Master and Ruler, while `Yᵉhôvih` (GOD) is a vocalization of the ineffable divine name YHWH, highlighting His self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping nature. The combination underscores the ultimate authority and reliability of the divine promise that follows, asserting that this future act of restoration is not merely a human hope but a divinely ordained certainty.
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From `H3947`, this primitive root means "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies God's active, deliberate, and sovereign initiative. Unlike the eagles (Babylon and Egypt) who "took" branches for their own purposes, God Himself will "take" a specific, chosen twig. This emphasizes that the future kingdom and its ruler will be entirely a work of divine selection and power, not a result of human politics or military might.
* **tender one (Hebrew, _rak'_):** From `H7390`, meaning "tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak." This word stands in profound contrast to the "high cedar" and its "highest branch." While the cedar represents strength, majesty, and established power, the "tender one" suggests vulnerability, humility, and a seemingly insignificant beginning. This choice of word highlights the unexpected nature of God's redemptive work, often commencing from humble origins to achieve ultimate glory, challenging human expectations of power and grandeur.
* **high mountain (Hebrew, _har gâbôahh'_):** `har` (`H2022`) means "a mountain or range of hills," often used figuratively for promotion or prominence. `gâbôahh` (`H1364`) means "elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant." When combined with "eminent" (`tâlal`, `H8524`), it signifies a place of supreme elevation, visibility, and authority. This imagery powerfully conveys the ultimate exaltation and universal dominion of the kingdom that God will establish through the "tender one," a kingdom that will rise above all earthly powers and be seen by all nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, asserting the absolute authority and truthfulness of the message that follows. It signals that the subsequent declaration is a direct revelation from God Himself, carrying ultimate weight and certainty.
* **"I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set [it];":** This clause reveals God's sovereign intention to intervene. The "high cedar" represents the Davidic dynasty, and the "highest branch" likely refers to the royal line, perhaps specifically to Jehoiachin or the royal seed. God declares He will "take" a part of this lineage, indicating a divine selection and removal, similar to how He allowed the prior kings to be taken into exile, but now with a redemptive purpose. He will "set" or establish it.
* **"I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant [it]":** This is the core of the Messianic prophecy. God specifies that He will "crop off" (select, remove) not a mighty branch, but a "tender one" from the "young twigs" (yôwneqeth, H3127, a sprout). This emphasizes the humble, perhaps seemingly insignificant, origin of this chosen shoot. The divine act of "planting" signifies God's active role in establishing and nurturing this new entity, ensuring its growth and stability.
* **"upon an high mountain and eminent:":** This final phrase describes the destiny and nature of what God will plant. The "high mountain and eminent" symbolizes a place of supreme exaltation, visibility, and universal dominion. It contrasts the humble beginning of the "tender one" with the glorious, far-reaching influence and authority of the kingdom it represents. This kingdom will be established by God and will rise above all other earthly powers, drawing the attention and allegiance of all.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:22 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Allegory**, building upon the extended allegorical riddle of the two eagles and the great cedar in the preceding verses. The "high cedar" clearly symbolizes the Davidic monarchy and the kingdom of Judah, renowned for its strength and prominence. The "highest branch" represents the royal lineage, while the "tender one" or "young twig" is a powerful symbol of a new, humble, yet divinely chosen shoot from that same royal stock. The "high mountain and eminent" symbolizes the future kingdom's supreme exaltation, visibility, and universal dominion, contrasting with the previous imagery of a "lowly vine." The entire passage also employs **Contrast**, setting the failure of human kings and their grand alliances against God's humble yet ultimately glorious initiative. The repeated "I will" statements constitute **Divine Speech** or an **Oracle**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering commitment to His promises, transforming a narrative of judgment into a declaration of hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:22 is a profound theological statement, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, even in the face of human rebellion and national ruin. It reveals that God's plan for redemption transcends immediate judgment, always pointing toward a future restoration initiated by Him. The "tender one" signifies that God's chosen instrument for this restoration will not come through human might or political maneuvering, but through humble, divinely appointed means, ultimately culminating in the establishment of a universal, righteous kingdom. This promise serves as a beacon of hope, assuring that God's purposes will prevail, and His kingdom will be established in glory, a testament to His unwavering love and power.

* [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")
* [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - A Righteous Branch for David")
* [Daniel 2:44-45](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44-45 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:22 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of despair, failure, or uncertainty. It reminds us that even when human institutions crumble, leaders disappoint, and circumstances seem dire, God remains sovereign and utterly faithful to His promises. Our hope should not be anchored in earthly powers, political alliances, or human ingenuity, but in God's divine plan, which often unfolds in ways we least expect—starting small, humble, and seemingly insignificant, yet destined for unparalleled glory. This verse calls us to trust in God's ultimate control over history, to find solace in His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and to patiently await the full manifestation of His kingdom. It reassures us that God will indeed bring about His purposes, establishing His righteous reign through His chosen one, transforming desolation into divine exaltation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's initiative in "taking" and "planting" a new shoot challenge our human tendencies to rely on our own strength or political solutions in times of crisis?**
* **What does the imagery of the "tender one" becoming "an high mountain and eminent" teach us about God's methods and the nature of His kingdom?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to trust God's sovereign plan for restoration, even when the beginnings seem humble or insignificant?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "high cedar" and the "tender one" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "high cedar" symbolizes the Davidic monarchy of Judah, representing its former strength, majesty, and established royal lineage. In contrast, the "tender one" (or "tender twig") signifies a new, humble, and seemingly vulnerable shoot from that same royal line. This contrast is crucial: it highlights that God's future king and kingdom would not emerge from the existing, proud, and rebellious monarchy, but from a divinely chosen, humble beginning, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in raising up a new, righteous ruler.

**How does this verse relate to the preceding allegory of the two eagles?**

Answer: The preceding allegory in [Ezekiel 17:1-21](/ezekiel/17-1 "Ezekiel 17:1-21 - The Riddle of the Eagles and the Vine") details the judgment upon Judah's King Zedekiah for his treachery against Babylon, symbolized by a vine turning from the first eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) to the second (Pharaoh). Ezekiel 17:22 immediately follows this pronouncement of judgment, serving as a divine counterpoint. While the earlier verses focus on human failure and God's righteous punishment, verse 22 shifts the focus entirely to God's own initiative to bring about future restoration. It assures that despite the failure of human kings and the impending destruction, God's ultimate plan for a righteous kingdom will prevail.

**What does "upon an high mountain and eminent" signify for the planted shoot?**

Answer: This phrase symbolizes the ultimate exaltation, visibility, and universal dominion of the kingdom that God will establish through the "tender one." A "high mountain" is a place of prominence and authority, often associated with divine presence or a universal kingdom in biblical prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")). "Eminent" further emphasizes its towering, conspicuous nature. This imagery signifies that the divinely planted kingdom will rise above all earthly powers, be seen by all nations, and exert supreme, lasting authority, drawing all people to itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:22 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. He is the "tender one," the humble shoot who emerged from the "highest branch of the high cedar"—the royal lineage of David, as affirmed in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus"). Unlike the proud and rebellious kings of Judah, Jesus was born in humble circumstances, in a manger in Bethlehem ([Luke 2:7](/luke/2-7 "Luke 2:7 - Jesus' Humble Birth")), embodying the "tender" and unexpected nature of God's chosen one. Yet, it was God Himself who "cropped off" this tender one and "planted" Him, nurturing His growth in wisdom and stature ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth")). The promise to plant this shoot "upon an high mountain and eminent" powerfully foreshadows Christ's exaltation following His crucifixion and resurrection. He was lifted up, not just on the cross, but to the right hand of God, where He reigns with supreme authority ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). His kingdom, though inaugurated humbly, is destined to fill the whole earth, becoming the "great mountain" that Daniel foresaw ([Daniel 2:35](/daniel/2-35 "Daniel 2:35 - The Kingdom of God as a Mountain")), drawing all peoples to itself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Lifted Up")). Thus, Ezekiel 17:22 is a vibrant prophecy of Christ's humble first advent and His glorious, universal reign, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises through His Son.

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

Isaiah 53:2

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.

Zechariah 6:12

And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:

Zechariah 6:13

Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Ezekiel 20:40

For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Isaiah 11:5

And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

Psalms 2:6

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.