Ezekiel 17:23

In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

In the mountain {H2022} of the height {H4791} of Israel {H3478} will I plant {H8362} it: and it shall bring forth {H5375} boughs {H6057}, and bear {H6213} fruit {H6529}, and be a goodly {H117} cedar {H730}: and under it shall dwell {H7931} all fowl {H6833} of every wing {H3671}; in the shadow {H6738} of the branches {H1808} thereof shall they dwell {H7931}.

I will plant it on the highest mountain in Isra'el, where it will put out branches, bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it will live all kinds of birds; winged creatures of every description will live there in the shadow of its branches.

I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel so that it will bear branches; it will yield fruit and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches.

in the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

Commentary

Ezekiel 17:23 (KJV): "In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell."

Ezekiel 17:23 concludes a powerful parable and prophecy concerning the future of Israel and God's sovereign plan of restoration. This verse paints a vivid picture of hope and universal blessing, contrasting sharply with the immediate historical context of Judah's rebellion and impending judgment.

Context

Chapter 17 of Ezekiel presents a riddle or allegory of two great eagles, a vine, and a tender twig. The first eagle represents Babylon and its king, Nebuchadnezzar, who took King Jehoiachin captive to Babylon and established Zedekiah as a vassal king in Jerusalem. The vine is the house of Israel, and Zedekiah is depicted as a tender shoot from the vine. The second great eagle represents Egypt, to whom Zedekiah unwisely turned for help, breaking his covenant with Babylon. This act of disloyalty led to Jerusalem's ultimate destruction in 586 BC.

Following this narrative of judgment, God declares His own intervention in Ezekiel 17:22, promising to take a "tender twig" from the top of a high cedar (representing the royal line of David) and plant it Himself. Verse 23 details the glorious outcome of this divine planting. This prophecy points beyond the immediate restoration from Babylonian exile to a future, ultimate restoration under a Messianic King, establishing a kingdom that offers shelter and blessing to all.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Restoration: The phrase "will I plant it" emphasizes God's direct, powerful, and unfailing hand in establishing His kingdom. Despite human failure and political turmoil, God's plan for His people and the world will prevail. This speaks to the ultimate restoration of the Davidic line and the establishment of a righteous reign.
  • The Messianic Kingdom: The "goodly cedar" symbolizes a strong, stable, and majestic kingdom. This imagery is widely understood as a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would come from the humble "tender twig" of the Davidic line (see Isaiah 11:1) and establish an eternal kingdom. The cedar's growth, fruitfulness, and wide-reaching shadow signify the flourishing and expansive nature of Christ's reign.
  • Universal Blessing and Inclusivity: "Under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing" illustrates the universal reach of this kingdom. Just as birds of various species find refuge in the branches of a mighty tree, so too will people from all nations and backgrounds find spiritual shelter, peace, and sustenance within the Messianic kingdom. This echoes other prophetic visions of the nations streaming to God's mountain (Isaiah 2:2).
  • Growth and Stability: The transformation from a "tender twig" to a "goodly cedar" that brings forth boughs and bears fruit signifies robust growth, vitality, and enduring stability. This kingdom is not ephemeral but is divinely established to last and provide true spiritual nourishment.

Linguistic Insights

  • "mountain of the height of Israel": In Hebrew, this is har marom Yisrael, typically referring to Mount Zion or Jerusalem, which was considered the spiritual and political center of Israel. It signifies a prominent, elevated, and sacred location where God's ultimate kingdom would be established, often associated with the throne of God's chosen King.
  • "goodly cedar": The cedar of Lebanon (erez adir in Hebrew) was renowned for its immense size, strength, longevity, and beauty. It was a symbol of majesty, stability, and enduring power, making it a fitting metaphor for the glorious and unshakeable kingdom of God.
  • "all fowl of every wing": This phrase, kol tsippor kol kanaph, literally means "every bird of every kind of wing." It emphasizes diversity and universality, signifying that people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will find refuge and life under the reign of the Messiah. This imagery is similar to the parable of the mustard seed, where birds come to nest in its branches.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 17:23 offers profound encouragement and a call to trust in God's ultimate plan. For believers today, this verse:

  • Reinforces Hope: It reminds us that even in times of despair, God is actively working to fulfill His promises. His kingdom will ultimately triumph, and His chosen King will reign in righteousness.
  • Highlights God's Faithfulness: Just as God promised to plant the cedar, He remains faithful to His covenant with His people and His universal redemptive plan.
  • Emphasizes the Global Scope of the Gospel: The imagery of "all fowl of every wing" dwelling under the cedar's shadow underscores the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. The gospel message is for everyone, inviting people from every nation to find shelter and life in Christ.
  • Inspires Participation: As branches of the "goodly cedar" (the body of Christ), believers are called to participate in bearing fruit and extending the shadow of God's love and truth to the world.

This verse is a powerful declaration of God's sovereign power to restore, redeem, and establish His eternal kingdom, providing a haven for all who seek refuge in Him.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 13:32

    Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

  • Ezekiel 31:6

    All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations.

  • Isaiah 2:2

    And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

  • Galatians 3:28

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • John 15:5

    I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

  • John 15:8

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  • Hosea 14:7

    They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.