TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ezekiel 17:22–24. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
When the royal family of Judah was brought to desolation by the captivity of Jehoiachin and Zedekiah it might be asked, "What has now become of the covenant of royalty made with David, that his children should sit upon his throne for evermore? Do the sure mercies of David prove thus unsure?" To this it is sufficient for the silencing of the objectors to answer that the promise was conditional. If they will keep my covenant, then they shall continue, Psa 132:12. But David's posterity broke the condition, and so forfeited the promise. But the unbelief of man shall not invalidate the promise of God. He will find out another seed of David in which it shall be accomplished; and that is promised in these verses.
I.The house of David shall again be magnified, and out of its ashes another phoenix shall arise.
The metaphor of a tree, which was made us of in the threatening, is here presented in the promise, Eze 17:22, Eze 17:23. This promise had its accomplishment in part when Zerubbabel, a branch of the house of David, was raised up to head the Jews in their return out of captivity, and to rebuild the city and temple and re-establish their church and state; but it was to have its full accomplishment in the kingdom of the Messiah, who was a root out of a dry ground, and to whom God, according to promise, gave the throne of his father David, Luk 1:32.
1.God himself undertakes the reviving and restoring of the house of David. Nebuchadnezzar was the great eagle that had attempted the re-establishing of the house of David in a dependence upon him, Eze 17:5. But the attempt miscarried; his plantation withered and was plucked up. "Well," says God, "the next shall be of my planting: I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar and I will set it." Note, As men have their designs, God also has his designs; but his will prosper when theirs are blasted. Nebuchadnezzar prided himself in setting up kingdoms at his pleasure, Dan 5:19. But those kingdoms soon had an end, whereas the God of heaven sets up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, Dan 2:44.
2.The house of David is revived in a tender one cropped from the top of his young twigs. Zerubbabel was so; that which was hopeful in him was but the day of small things (Zac 4:10), yet before him great mountains were made plain. Our Lord Jesus was the highest branch of the high cedar, the furthest of all from the root (for soon after he appeared the house of David was all cut off and extinguished), but the nearest of all to heaven, for his kingdom was not of this world. He was taken from the top of the young twigs, for he is the man, the branch, a tender plant, and a root out of a dry ground (Isa 53:2), but a branch of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
3.This branch is planted in a high mountain (Eze 17:22), in the mountain of the height of Israel, Eze 17:23. Thither he brought Zerubbabel in triumph; there he raised up his son Jesus, sent him to gather the lost sheep of the house of Israel that were scattered upon the mountains, set him his king upon his holy hill of Zion, sent forth the gospel from Mount Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem; there, in the height of Israel, a nation which all its neighbours had an eye upon as conspicuous and illustrious, was the Christian church first planted. The churches of Judea were the most primitive churches. The unbelieving Jews did what they could to prevent its being planted there; but who can pluck up what God will plant?
4.Thence it spreads far and wide. The Jewish state, though it began very low in Zerubbabel's time, was set as a tender branch, which might easily be plucked up, yet took root, spread strangely, and after some time became very considerable; those of other nations, fowl of every wing, put themselves under the protection of it. The Christian church was at first like a grain of mustard-seed, but became, like this tender branch, a great tree, its beginning small, but its latter end increasing to admiration. When the Gentiles flocked into the church then did the fowl of every wing (even the birds of prey, which those preyed upon, as the wolf and the lamb feeding together, Isa 11:6) come and dwell under the shadow of this goodly cedar. See Dan 4:21.
II.God himself will herein be glorified, Eze 17:24.
The setting up of the Messiah's kingdom in the world shall discover more clearly than ever to the children of men that God is the King of all the earth, Psa 47:7. Never was there a more full conviction given of this truth, that all things are governed by an infinitely wise and mighty Providence, than that which was given by the exaltation of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom among men; for by that it appeared that God has all hearts in his hand, and the sovereign disposal of all affairs. All the trees of the field shall know,
1.That the tree which God will have to be brought down, and dried up, shall be so, though it be ever so high and stately, ever so green and flourishing. Neither honour nor wealth, neither external advancements nor internal endowments, will secure men from humbling withering providence.
2.That the tree which God will have to be exalted, and to flourish, shall so be, shall so do, though ever so low, and ever so dry. The house of Nebuchadnezzar, that now makes so great a figure, shall be extirpated, and the house of David, that now makes so mean a figure, shall become famous again; and the Jewish nation, that is now despicable, shall be considerable. The kingdom of Satan, that has borne so long, so large, a sway, shall be broken, and the kingdom of Christ, that was looked upon with contempt. shall be established. The Jews, who, in respect of church-privileges, had been high and green, shall be thrown out, and the Gentiles, who had been low and dry trees, shall be taken in their room, Isa 54:1. All the enemies of Christ shall be abased and made his footstool, and his interests shall be confirmed and advanced: I the Lord have spoken (it is the decree, the declared decree, that Christ must be exalted, must be the headstone of the corner), and I have done it, that is, I will do it in due time, but it is as sure to be done as if it were done already. With men saying and doing are two things, but they are not so with God. What he has spoken we may be sure that he will do, nor shall one iota or tittle of his word fall to the ground, for he is not a man, that he should lie, or the son of man, that he should repent either of his threatenings or of his promises.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
6 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Consider the sublime grandeur of the church of Christ, to understand that according to the promise of God the word has been realized.… It will become a noble cedar; and under it will dwell all kinds of beasts; in the shade of its branches birds of every sort will nest.
Take the wings of the word of God, and you will be able to repose under this tree that has been planted over a high mountain.
[Daniel 7:1] "In the first year of Belshazzar, King of Babylon, Daniel beheld a dream. And a vision of his head upon his bed. And when he wrote the dream down, he comprehended it in a few words and gave a brief summary of it, saying..." This section which we now undertake to explain, and also the subsequent section which we are going to discuss, is historically prior to the two previous sections. For this present section and that which follows it are recorded to have taken place in the first and third years of the reign of King Belshazzar (Jeremiah 39) [Jerome's citation of Jeremiah 39 seems quite pointless in this connection]. But the section which we read previously to the one just preceding this, is recorded to have taken place in the last year, indeed on the final day, of Belshaz-zar's reign. And we meet this phenomenon not only in Daniel but also in Jeremiah [cf. Jeremiah 35 and Jeremiah 34] and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 17), as we shall be able to show, if life spares us that long. But in the earlier portion of the book, the historical order has been followed, namely the events which occurred in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, and Belshazzar, and Darius or Cyrus. But in the passages now before us an account is given of various visions which were beheld on particular occasions and of which only the prophet himself was aware, and which therefore lacked any importance as signs or revelations so far as the barbarian nations were concerned. But they were written down only that a record of the things beheld might be preserved for posterity.
(Ver. 22 seq.) Thus says the Lord (God says in the Vulgate): And I will take from the top of the cedar’s highest branch, and I will set it; I will break off a tender one from the crown of its branches, and I will plant it on a high and elevated mountain: upon the lofty mountain of Israel I will plant it. And it shall spring forth into a shoot, and it shall bear fruit, and it shall become a mighty cedar, and all the birds of the air shall dwell under it; every bird shall make its nest under the shade of its branches. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, and exalted the low tree; and have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to bud: I the Lord have spoken and have done it. LXX: For thus says the Lord God: I will take away from the top of the choice cedar tree and will give from the head of its branches, and from the heart of it I will take away, and I will plant it on a high mountain, in the lofty mountain of Israel, and I will set it, and it will bring forth branches, and it will bear fruit, and it will become a majestic cedar, and all birds of every kind will rest under it, and all flying creatures will rest in its shade. And its branches will sprout again, and all the trees of the field will know that I am the Lord who humbles the lofty tree and exalts the lowly tree, who dries up the green tree and causes the dry tree to flourish. I am the Lord who speaks and acts. This is what is read in the Septuagint: 'And I will take from the top of its branches,' which is added in Theodotion's edition. And what follows: 'And its branches will be restored,' should be noted with an obelus, because it is not found in the Hebrew. True Nebuchadnezzar therefore takes from the top of the lofty cedar, from the top of its branches, so that his kingdom may be humble and not exalted. But the Lord God Almighty, who spoke to Ezekiel, takes from the royal stock and from the house of David; and he plants on a high and lofty mountain, which speaks in the psalm: 'I, however, have been appointed king by him over his holy mountain Zion' (Psalm 2:6). For the prince of Judah had failed, and the leader of Israel, until he came who was to be laid up: and he shall be the expectation of the Gentiles. This one burst forth into a shoot, and produced fruit, and surpassed all the cedars with his greatness, so that all the birds of the sky may dwell under him, and all his creatures may be protected by his shade. Of whom Habakkuk says: Horns are in his hands, there his strength is hidden; and he who desires to gather his chicks under his wings, like a hen (Matthew 23): so that all the trees of the region may know that he is the Lord. Speaking tropologically about the believers: This is he who once humbled the prideful Israel and exalted the humble people of the nations, who dried up the green wood of the Jews, flourishing and bearing fruit in the Law and the Prophets; and made the dry wood of the nations sprout: so that he might fulfill with his actions what he always spoke. The same thing is represented by the words of Simeon in the Gospel, saying: Behold, this child is set for the fall, and rising again of many (Luke 2:34). And the grain of mustard seed, though it is the smallest of all seeds, when it grows, it becomes a dwelling place for birds (Matthew 13:32). Some interpret it differently, as the exalted humbled and the humble exalted, referring to the passion of the Lord Savior. Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God: but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6-7); and after the resurrection, the same tree was exalted, which was first green, dried up by death, and then revived, regaining its original greenness. Others explain both [adventus] in the context of Israel: that first he will come in humility and be rejected, and second he will be restored to his original state, after the fulfillment of what the Apostle Paul says: When the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, then all Israel will be saved (Deuteronomy 5:9-10).
The high tree humbled and the humble tree exalted refer to the passion of the Lord and Savior, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a theme to be grasped, but he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant,” and after the resurrection, this very wood was afterwards raised high, which was fair and strong, and then made dry in death, and after reviving, received back its original strength.
He says, know that it is easy for me both to humble what is lofty and to raise up what is lowly; to make dry what is wet and to manifest what is dry to be in flower.
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Summary
Ezekiel 17:23 culminates a powerful divine allegory, transitioning from Judah's immediate judgment to a glorious prophecy of God's sovereign restoration. This verse vividly portrays the future establishment of a majestic, divinely planted kingdom, symbolized by a "goodly cedar," which will flourish, bear abundant fruit, and offer universal refuge and sustenance. It underscores God's unfailing commitment to His covenant promises and His ultimate plan to raise up a righteous ruler and an expansive, inclusive kingdom that stands in stark contrast to the instability and rebellion of human leadership.
Context
Literary Context
Ezekiel 17 unfolds as an intricate parable involving two great eagles, a vine, and a tender twig. The first eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who deposed King Jehoiachin and installed Zedekiah (the vine's tender shoot) as a vassal king in Jerusalem. The second eagle symbolizes Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt, to whom Zedekiah unwisely turned for military aid, thereby breaking his solemn oath to Babylon. This act of disloyalty is condemned by God as a grave sin, leading directly to Jerusalem's ultimate destruction in 586 BC. Following this pronouncement of judgment on Zedekiah and Jerusalem, God pivots dramatically in Ezekiel 17:22 to declare His own sovereign intervention. He promises to take a "tender twig" from the top of a high cedar (representing the Davidic royal line) and plant it Himself on a high mountain. Verse 23 then elaborates on the magnificent outcome of this divine planting, providing a stark and hopeful contrast to the human failures and political turmoil that dominated the preceding narrative.
Historical & Cultural Context
The prophecy of Ezekiel 17 was delivered during the Babylonian exile (early 6th century BC), a period of profound national trauma for Judah. Jerusalem had already fallen once (597 BC), and its king and many elites were deported to Babylon. Zedekiah, installed by Nebuchadnezzar, was the last king of Judah before its final, devastating destruction. The political landscape was dominated by the intense rivalry between the burgeoning Babylonian Empire and the declining, yet still influential, Egyptian power. Covenants and oaths, especially those sworn in the name of God, were considered supremely sacred and binding in ancient Near Eastern culture. Zedekiah's breach of his oath to Nebuchadnezzar was not merely a political misstep but a profound act of rebellion against divine order, as God Himself had orchestrated Babylon's rise as an instrument of judgment. Cedars, particularly the Cedars of Lebanon, were highly prized in the ancient world for their strength, height, longevity, and resistance to decay, symbolizing majesty, power, and enduring stability.
Key Themes
This verse is central to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. It powerfully illustrates Divine Sovereignty and Restoration, emphasizing that despite human apostasy and political upheaval, God's ultimate plan for His people and the world will prevail. The imagery of God personally planting the "tender twig" highlights His direct, powerful, and unfailing hand in establishing His kingdom, a theme echoed in Isaiah 40:8. It also introduces the theme of the Messianic Kingdom, where the "goodly cedar" symbolizes a strong, stable, and majestic kingdom established by a future ruler from the Davidic line, providing a future hope beyond the immediate judgment. Furthermore, the promise that "all fowl of every wing" will dwell under its shadow speaks to the Universal Blessing and Inclusivity of this kingdom, anticipating a time when people from all nations will find refuge and spiritual nourishment within God's reign, a concept found in Isaiah 2:2-4. Finally, the transformation from a "tender twig" to a "goodly cedar" signifies Growth, Vitality, and Enduring Stability, indicating that this divinely established kingdom is not ephemeral but destined to flourish and provide lasting spiritual sustenance.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively); hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion." In this context, "the mountain of the height of Israel" (H4791, mârôwm, meaning "altitude, i.e. concretely (an elevated place)") refers to a prominent, elevated, and sacred location, typically Mount Zion or Jerusalem. It signifies the spiritual and political center where God's ultimate kingdom would be established, a place of divine authority and prominence, often associated with the throne of God's chosen King.
Meaning "wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful; excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, lordly, mighty(-ier one), noble, principal, worthy." Applied to the "cedar," this word emphasizes the majestic, glorious, and powerful nature of the kingdom to be established. It conveys a sense of grandeur, strength, and inherent worth, distinguishing this divinely planted entity from all other earthly kingdoms.
Meaning "to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively); abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up)." The repetition of this verb ("shall dwell... shall they dwell") underscores the permanence, security, and hospitable nature of the cedar's shadow. It signifies a place of enduring refuge, rest, and belonging for all who seek shelter within this kingdom.
Verse Breakdown
"In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it"
This clause emphatically highlights the divine initiative and the specific, prominent location of God's future kingdom. The pronoun "I" refers to God Himself, signifying His direct, sovereign action, which stands in stark contrast to human attempts to establish or maintain power. The "mountain of the height of Israel" points to Jerusalem, particularly Mount Zion, as the chosen place for the establishment of God's ultimate, glorious reign, a place of spiritual and political preeminence.
"and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar"
This describes the transformative and flourishing nature of what God plants. The "tender twig" from Ezekiel 17:22 will not merely survive but will grow into a magnificent, strong, and productive "goodly cedar." "Bringing forth boughs" (H6057, ʻânâph, "a twig... bough, branch") and "bearing fruit" (H6529, pᵉrîy, "fruit (literally or figuratively)") signifies vitality, expansion, and beneficial output, indicating a kingdom that is both robust and life-giving.
"and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell."
This climactic phrase illustrates the universal and inclusive reach of this divinely established kingdom. "All fowl of every wing" (H6833, tsippôwr, "a little bird... bird, fowl, sparrow" and H3671, kânâph, "a wing... [phrase] bird, border, corner... wing(-ed)") signifies diversity—people from all nations, tribes, and tongues. The "shadow of the branches" (H1808, dâlîyâh, "something dangling, i.e. a bough; branch" and H6738, tsêl, "shade, whether literal or figurative; defence, shade(-ow)") represents protection, comfort, and security. The repetition of "shall dwell" (H7931, shâkan) reinforces the idea of a permanent, secure, and welcoming refuge for all who seek it.
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:23 is rich in Symbolism, primarily through the extended metaphor of the "goodly cedar." The cedar, renowned for its strength, longevity, and majesty, symbolizes the powerful, stable, and enduring nature of God's future kingdom. The "tender twig" from Ezekiel 17:22 represents a humble, yet divinely chosen, beginning for this mighty kingdom. Metonymy is present in "mountain of the height of Israel," where the mountain stands for the spiritual and political center of God's people, Jerusalem/Zion. The phrase "all fowl of every wing" employs Synecdoche (a part representing the whole) to signify all diverse peoples and nations, emphasizing the kingdom's universal reach. The repetition of the verb "dwell" (Anaphora or Repetition) powerfully underscores the security, permanence, and hospitable nature of the refuge offered by this kingdom.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ezekiel 17:23 stands as a beacon of hope, revealing God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan despite human rebellion and failure. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that He alone can bring about true and lasting restoration. The prophecy points beyond the immediate return from Babylonian exile to a future, ultimate establishment of a righteous kingdom under a divinely appointed ruler. This kingdom, characterized by strength, fruitfulness, and universal inclusivity, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to David concerning an eternal throne. It portrays a future where God's presence and blessing are not confined to a single nation but extend to encompass all humanity, offering refuge and life to all who seek it.
This prophecy finds resonance in several key passages:
Reflection and Application
Ezekiel 17:23 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating a world often marked by instability, conflict, and human brokenness. It reminds us that even when earthly powers fail and human covenants are broken, God's ultimate plan remains unshakeable. We are called to place our trust not in fleeting political solutions or human strength, but in the sovereign hand of God, who is actively working to establish His eternal kingdom. This verse inspires us to participate in the expansive mission of this kingdom, extending the invitation of refuge and life to "all fowl of every wing," recognizing that God's love and salvation are for every nation, tribe, and tongue. It challenges us to live as branches of this "goodly cedar," bearing fruit that reflects the character of our King and providing a shadow of hope and truth in a world desperately in need of spiritual shelter.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "mountain of the height of Israel" in this verse?
The "mountain of the height of Israel" (Hebrew: har marom Yisrael) typically refers to Mount Zion or Jerusalem, which was considered the spiritual and political center of Israel. In prophetic literature, it often symbolizes the elevated, prominent, and sacred place where God's ultimate kingdom would be established. It signifies a place of divine authority and prominence, where God's chosen King would reign, as seen in Psalm 2:6. It's not just a geographical location but a profound theological symbol of God's dwelling place and the seat of His universal reign.
How does the imagery of the "goodly cedar" relate to other biblical trees or plants?
The "goodly cedar" (Hebrew: erez addîyr) is a powerful symbol of majesty, strength, longevity, and stability. Cedars of Lebanon were renowned for their immense size and enduring nature. This imagery contrasts sharply with the "tender twig" of Ezekiel 17:22, highlighting a transformation from humble beginnings to glorious fulfillment. Similar tree imagery is used throughout Scripture to represent righteous individuals, nations, or kingdoms, such as the tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1:3 or the mustard seed that grows into a large tree where birds can nest in Matthew 13:31-32. The cedar here specifically points to the strength and expansive nature of God's future kingdom, providing shelter and sustenance to all.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ezekiel 17:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His kingdom. The "tender twig" taken from the top of the high cedar (representing the Davidic royal line) is a clear messianic prophecy. Though the Davidic dynasty seemed to be cut down and in exile, God promised to raise up a humble yet divinely chosen "branch" (Isaiah 11:1). Jesus, born of the lineage of David (Matthew 1:1), came not with earthly pomp but in humility, fulfilling the "tender twig" aspect. He is the one whom God "planted" on the "mountain of the height of Israel"—not merely a physical location, but the spiritual reality of His redemptive work culminating in His resurrection and ascension, establishing His throne in the heavenly Zion (Hebrews 12:22). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the "goodly cedar," the majestic and enduring King of an eternal kingdom. This kingdom, though inaugurated humbly, has brought forth "boughs" (disciples) and "fruit" (the spiritual fruit of the Spirit and the harvest of souls) as it expands throughout the world. The promise that "all fowl of every wing" would dwell in its shadow is beautifully fulfilled in the New Covenant, where people from every nation, tribe, and tongue find refuge, salvation, and belonging in Christ's church (Revelation 7:9). He is the true and lasting shelter, the Prince of Peace who offers eternal security and nourishment to all who come to Him (John 6:35).