Ezekiel 17:24

KJV

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the trees {H6086} of the field {H7704} shall know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} have brought down {H8213} the high {H1364} tree {H6086}, have exalted {H1361} the low {H8217} tree {H6086}, have dried {H3001} up the green {H3892} tree {H6086}, and have made the dry {H3002} tree {H6086} to flourish {H6524}: I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} and have done {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all the trees of the field will know that I, ADONAI, bring down the tall tree and raise up the low tree, wither the green tree and make the withered tree bear fruit. I, ADONAI, have spoken; and I will do it.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’”

American Standard Version

And all the trees of the field shall know that I, Jehovah, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I, Jehovah, have spoken and have done it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:24 serves as the climactic divine declaration of God's absolute and undeniable sovereignty, concluding a complex allegory about the rise and fall of nations and rulers. It powerfully asserts that all earthly powers, symbolized by various "trees," will ultimately recognize the Lord's unparalleled authority to humble the proud, exalt the lowly, bring judgment upon the prosperous, and restore life to the desolate, affirming that His spoken word is unfailingly accomplished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 17:24 functions as the profound divine interpretation and summation of the preceding allegory (Ezekiel 17:1-21). The chapter commences with an intricate riddle involving two great eagles and a vine, which is subsequently elucidated as a parable concerning Judah's kings and their intricate relationship with both Babylon and Egypt. The first eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar, who deposed King Jehoiachin (the "top of the young twigs") and installed Zedekiah as a vassal king, binding him with a solemn oath of loyalty. The second eagle symbolizes Pharaoh, to whom Zedekiah rebelliously turned for military assistance, thereby flagrantly violating his covenant with Babylon. God unequivocally condemns Zedekiah's treachery, foretelling his capture and the inevitable desolation of Judah. However, the narrative then undergoes a dramatic shift in [Ezekiel 17:22-23](/ezekiel/17-22-23 "Ezekiel 17:22-23 - The Prophecy of the Tender Twig"), where God Himself promises to take a "tender twig" from the highest cedar and plant it on a lofty mountain, causing it to grow into a majestic cedar under which all birds will dwell. Verse 24, therefore, seamlessly connects God's impending judgment on Judah's pride and unfaithfulness with His ultimate, redemptive promise of a Messianic kingdom, emphatically underscoring His comprehensive control over both judgment and salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy articulated in Ezekiel 17 was delivered during the profound period of the Babylonian exile, a time marked by deep national humiliation, theological questioning, and pervasive uncertainty for the people of Judah. King Jehoiachin had been deported to Babylon in 597 BC, and Zedekiah, his uncle, was subsequently installed as a vassal king by Nebuchadnezzar. The exiled Judeans grappled intensely with the theological implications of their devastating defeat and displacement: Had their God abandoned them? Was the god of Babylon truly stronger? Within this tumultuous context, Ezekiel's allegory directly addresses the intricate political machinations of the era, particularly Zedekiah's ill-fated decision to forge an alliance with Egypt, a common geopolitical strategy in the ancient Near East employed to counterbalance Babylonian hegemony. The "trees of the field" serve as a potent metaphor for the various nations and their rulers, a widely understood biblical trope for kingdoms and their leaders (compare [Daniel 4:10-12](/daniel/4-10-12 "Daniel 4:10-12 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Great Tree")). The vivid imagery of planting and uprooting trees would have been immediately comprehensible to an agrarian society, powerfully symbolizing divine control over the destinies of both nations and kings.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is **God's Absolute Sovereignty**, asserting unequivocally that the Lord, not human kings or transient empires, is the ultimate orchestrator of history, possessing the inherent power to raise and lower nations according to His divine will. This profound theme is resoundingly echoed in passages such as [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"), which explicitly declares God's dominion over the kingdom of men. Another prominent theme is **Divine Reversal**, wherein God powerfully demonstrates His authority by humbling the proud ("the high tree") and exalting the lowly ("the low tree"), a recurring principle vividly illustrated throughout Scripture, as seen in [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - Hannah's Prayer of Reversal"). The verse also highlights the intertwined concepts of **Judgment and Restoration**: "drying up the green tree" signifies divine judgment upon those who defiantly oppose God or place their trust in fallible human alliances, while "making the dry tree to flourish" points to God's miraculous power to bring life, vitality, and prosperity even out of apparent desolation, particularly within the context of the promised Messianic kingdom, which is introduced in [Ezekiel 17:22-23](/ezekiel/17-22-23 "Ezekiel 17:22-23 - The Prophecy of the Tender Twig"). Finally, the concluding phrase underscores **God's Unfailing Word**, emphasizing the absolute certainty and unwavering faithfulness of God's promises and threats; what He declares, He unfailingly brings to pass, thereby reinforcing His omnipotence and unwavering reliability, a truth also powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power of God's Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045. This primitive root signifies far more than mere intellectual apprehension; it implies a deep, experiential knowledge, profound recognition, and undeniable acknowledgment. When "all the trees of the field shall know," it means that all nations and their rulers will be compelled to come to a profound, undeniable understanding, achieved through direct observation of God's sovereign actions, that He alone is the supreme and sovereign Lord. This knowledge is not optional but a divinely compelled recognition of His ultimate power and authority over all creation.
* **exalted (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** H1361. This verb means "to soar, to be lofty, to lift up." In this context, it vividly describes God's active and deliberate work of raising up that which is humble, lowly, or seemingly insignificant. Coupled with the adjective `gâbôahh` (H1364) for "high," it powerfully highlights the dramatic contrast: God actively brings down the arrogant and actively elevates the humble, thereby demonstrating His absolute power to reverse fortunes and establish His chosen ones according to His divine purpose.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696. A primitive root meaning "to arrange," but used figuratively (of words), "to speak." This word emphasizes the intentionality, authority, and inherent power of God's divine declaration. His word is not an idle utterance or a mere prediction; it is a creative decree that inherently carries the power to bring about its stated purpose. The intrinsic connection between God speaking and God acting is a foundational principle of biblical theology, affirming the performative and effective nature of His divine utterance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the trees of the field shall know":** This opening clause immediately establishes the universal scope of recognition. "All the trees of the field" symbolize all nations, kingdoms, and their respective rulers, as consistently established throughout the preceding allegory. The future tense "shall know" signifies a certain, inevitable, and compelled outcome: every earthly power, great or small, will be forced to acknowledge the undeniable truth of God's supreme sovereignty through His demonstrable and undeniable actions in history.
* **"that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree":** This presents the first profound pair of antithetical actions, powerfully revealing God's inherent power to reverse fortunes and destinies. The "high tree" represents the proud, the powerful, and the self-sufficient entities—such as Judah in its arrogance, or mighty, seemingly invincible empires like Babylon. Conversely, the "low tree" signifies the humble, the oppressed, or those seemingly devoid of power—most notably, the tender twig of the Messianic line. God's active and personal role ("I the LORD have brought down... have exalted") underscores His direct, personal, and decisive intervention in the affairs of humanity and nations.
* **"have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish":** This second pair of antithetical actions further illustrates God's comprehensive control over life and death, prosperity and desolation. The "green tree" symbolizes vitality, flourishing prosperity, and a deceptive sense of self-sufficiency, often associated with those who place their trust in their own strength or unreliable earthly alliances. God's act of "drying up" signifies divine judgment, the removal of their strength, and the cessation of their vitality. Conversely, the "dry tree" represents barrenness, hopelessness, or those brought low by severe adversity. God's miraculous ability to "make... flourish" speaks profoundly to His power of restoration, bringing vibrant life, hope, and renewed prosperity even out of seemingly impossible or desolate circumstances, particularly within the context of the promised Messianic kingdom.
* **"I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]":** This concluding declaration is an exceptionally powerful, emphatic, and personal statement of divine certainty and unwavering faithfulness. It serves as God's personal seal and irrevocable guarantee on the entire prophecy and His preceding actions. The phrase emphatically underscores that God's word is not merely a prediction or a possibility but a divine decree that He Himself will infallibly bring to pass. His actions are a direct, precise, and perfect fulfillment of His prior declarations, affirming His omnipotence, His absolute reliability, and His unwavering commitment to the realization of His divine will.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:24 is profoundly rich in literary devices that significantly amplify its theological message and impact. The entire chapter, culminating in this powerful verse, functions as an intricate **Allegory**, where the "trees," "eagles," and "vine" represent specific historical figures, nations, and their complex interactions, allowing for a multifaceted message to be conveyed through a vivid and memorable narrative. The phrase "all the trees of the field shall know" employs striking **Personification**, attributing the human capacity for "knowing" and understanding to inanimate trees, thereby emphasizing the universal and undeniable recognition of God's supreme power by all earthly kingdoms and their rulers. The verse is meticulously structured around powerful **Antithesis** and **Parallelism**, specifically through the contrasting pairs: "high tree" versus "low tree" and "green tree" versus "dry tree." This masterful rhetorical device dramatically highlights God's absolute power of reversal and His comprehensive control over all aspects of existence—His ability to humble the proud and exalt the humble, and to bring both judgment and profound restoration. Furthermore, the "trees" themselves serve as potent **Symbolism**, representing nations, their rulers, and their respective states of power, prosperity, or desolation. The concluding phrase, "I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]," functions as a powerful **Divine Fiat** or **Declaration of Certainty**, reinforcing the absolute truth, infallibility, and inevitability of God's spoken word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:24 stands as a monumental declaration of divine sovereignty, asserting unequivocally that the Lord's hand is actively and decisively involved in the rise and fall of all earthly powers and human endeavors. It profoundly underscores the timeless biblical principle that human pride, self-reliance, and reliance on worldly strength, vividly symbolized by the "high" and "green" trees, inevitably lead to divine judgment and humbling. Conversely, humility and unwavering reliance on God, even in states of "lowness" or "dryness," open the door for His miraculous exaltation and restoration. This verse serves as a profound and enduring reminder that God's sovereign plans transcend all human schemes, political alliances, and military might, and His word, once spoken, is irrevocably accomplished. It is a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, encompassing both His righteous judgment and His ultimate salvation, culminating in the certain establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges and Exalts")
* [Luke 1:52](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52 - Mary's Magnificat on God's Reversal")
* [Isaiah 46:10-11](/isaiah/46-10-11 "Isaiah 46:10-11 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:24 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers in every age, calling us to a posture of deep humility and unwavering trust in God. It compels us to recognize that all power, authority, and prosperity ultimately flow from Him alone. We are cautioned against the insidious perils of pride and self-sufficiency, which can lead to a "drying up" of spiritual vitality and fruitfulness, and are instead encouraged to trust implicitly in God's sovereign plan rather than relying on our own strength, fleeting worldly alliances, or temporary successes. For those who currently feel "low" or like a "dry tree"—perhaps facing overwhelming adversity, profound humiliation, spiritual barrenness, or a sense of hopelessness—this verse offers immense and tangible hope. It powerfully reminds us that God possesses the miraculous power to reverse fortunes, to bring vibrant life out of even the most desolate circumstances, and to exalt the humble in His perfect and unassailable timing. The concluding affirmation, "I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]," provides a bedrock of unwavering assurance for our faith. It means that every single promise of God, whether concerning judgment for sin or blessing for faithfulness, will infallibly come to pass. This divine certainty should inspire unwavering trust, encouraging us to rest securely in His unfailing word and to live our lives in light of His ultimate and comprehensive control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be acting like a "high tree" or a "green tree," consciously or unconsciously relying on your own strength, wisdom, or worldly resources rather than God's absolute sovereignty?**
* **How does the powerful promise that God can "exalt the low tree" and "make the dry tree to flourish" offer you profound hope and encouragement in your current circumstances, especially if you feel humbled or barren?**
* **What specific promises of God are you holding onto today, and how does the declarative statement "I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]" profoundly strengthen your faith in their certain and ultimate fulfillment?**

### FAQ
**What is the meaning of "all the trees of the field shall know"?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial part of the extended allegory presented in Ezekiel 17. The "trees of the field" symbolize all the nations, kingdoms, and their respective rulers throughout the entire world. The declaration that they "shall know" means that they will come to an undeniable, experiential recognition and acknowledgment of the Lord's supreme power and authority. This knowledge is not optional or merely intellectual, but a compelled understanding, brought about by God's demonstrable actions, that He alone orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, nations, and individuals. It signifies a universal, albeit sometimes reluctant, recognition of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, as profoundly illustrated in [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - Nebuchadnezzar's Confession of God's Dominion").

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 17:24 serves as a powerful microcosm of Ezekiel's overarching prophetic message, which masterfully balances themes of divine judgment with ultimate hope and restoration. The preceding verses meticulously detail God's righteous judgment on Judah's unfaithfulness and their misguided reliance on foreign alliances, vividly represented by the "high" and "green" trees being brought down and dried up. However, the verse simultaneously looks forward with profound anticipation to the promise of the "tender twig" (introduced in [Ezekiel 17:22-23](/ezekiel/17-22-23 "Ezekiel 17:22-23 - The Prophecy of the Tender Twig"))—a pivotal prophecy of the Messiah and His future kingdom, which is the "low tree" that God will exalt and the "dry tree" He will miraculously make to flourish. Thus, the verse encapsulates God's absolute sovereignty over both judgment and salvation, affirming with certainty that His word concerning both will be perfectly and infallibly fulfilled. It powerfully reinforces the central theme that despite Israel's profound failures and the severity of their exile, God's ultimate plan for redemption and the glorious establishment of His eternal kingdom remains steadfast and unshakeable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:24 finds its ultimate, most profound, and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "tender twig" taken from the top of the cedar in [Ezekiel 17:22](/ezekiel/17-22 "Ezekiel 17:22 - The Tender Twig Prophecy") is widely and correctly understood as a pivotal Messianic prophecy, pointing directly to the humble origins of the Messiah from the royal line of David, which had been "brought low" and seemingly "dried up" during the long period of exile. Jesus, born in a humble stable in Bethlehem, was indeed the "low tree" whom God sovereignly exalted. Though rejected, humiliated, and crucified by human hands, God "brought down the high tree" of human pride, self-righteousness, and worldly power, and "exalted" Jesus supremely through His glorious resurrection from the dead and His ascension, seating Him at His own right hand in heavenly places (as powerfully declared in [Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Furthermore, through Christ, God made the "dry tree" of humanity, spiritually dead in sin and utterly barren, to "flourish" by offering new, abundant, and eternal life through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Jesus, the True Vine")). The emphatic declaration "I the LORD have spoken and have done [it]" resonates with the absolute certainty and divine faithfulness of God's entire redemptive plan in Christ, from His miraculous incarnation to His glorious second return. Through Christ, all nations ("all the trees of the field") are now called to "know" the Lord and acknowledge His supreme and universal authority, as His kingdom expands to encompass all peoples, fulfilling the prophetic vision of the majestic cedar under which all birds dwell and find refuge ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

Amos 9:11

¶ In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1 Corinthians 1:28

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, [yea], and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

Luke 1:52

He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Luke 1:53

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

Ezekiel 24:14

I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 26:5

¶ For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, [even] to the ground; he bringeth it [even] to the dust.