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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### 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](/ezekiel/17-22 "Ezekiel 17:22 - The Tender Twig Prophecy") 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](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God"). 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](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flowing to Zion"). 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
* **Mountain (Hebrew, _har'_):** From H2022, 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.
* **Goodly (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** From H117, 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.
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** From H7931, 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](/ezekiel/17-22 "Ezekiel 17:22 - The Tender Twig Prophecy") 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](/ezekiel/17-22 "Ezekiel 17:22 - The Tender Twig Prophecy") 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:
* [Isaiah 11:1-10](/isaiah/11-1-10 "Isaiah 11:1-10 - The Branch from Jesse")
* [Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone that Becomes a Mountain")
* [Psalm 72:8-11](/psalm/72-8-11 "Psalm 72:8-11 - Universal Reign of the King")

### 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
* **How does the contrast between human failure and God's sovereign intervention in this chapter shape your understanding of divine faithfulness?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, embody the "fruitfulness" and "shelter" of the goodly cedar in your daily life and interactions?**
* **What does the imagery of "all fowl of every wing" dwelling under the cedar's shadow teach us about the global scope of God's kingdom and our role in it?**
* **How does this prophecy of a stable, enduring kingdom provide hope amidst the uncertainties and anxieties of our current world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "mountain of the height of Israel" in this verse?**

Answer: 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](/psalm/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Anointed King on Zion"). 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?**

Answer: 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](/ezekiel/17-22 "Ezekiel 17:22 - The Tender Twig Prophecy"), 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](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Righteous Like a Tree") or the mustard seed that grows into a large tree where birds can nest in [Matthew 13:31-32](/matthew/13-31-32 "Matthew 13:31-32 - Parable of the Mustard Seed"). 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](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse")). Jesus, born of the lineage of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), 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](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")). 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](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). 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](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

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

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.