Ezekiel 17:3

KJV

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; A great {H1419} eagle {H5404} with great {H1419} wings {H3671}, longwinged {H83}{H750}, full {H4392} of feathers {H5133}, which had divers colours {H7553}, came {H935} unto Lebanon {H3844}, and took {H3947} the highest branch {H6788} of the cedar {H730}:

Complete Jewish Bible

say that Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'A big eagle having great wings and long pinions full of varicolored feathers came to the L'vanon and took over the top of the cedar.

Berean Standard Bible

and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.

American Standard Version

and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:3 inaugurates a profound allegorical riddle delivered by the Lord GOD, setting the stage for a prophetic commentary on the intricate geopolitical dynamics between Judah and the dominant Babylonian empire. This verse vividly depicts a powerful, far-reaching "great eagle" that descends upon "Lebanon" to seize the "highest branch of the cedar," immediately establishing overarching themes of divine sovereignty, imperial power, and the subjugation of Judah's royal leadership. It serves as the opening scene of a complex parable meticulously designed to explain the recent past and impending future of the Judean monarchy and its people under the hand of God's judgment and ultimate control.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 17:3 serves as the foundational statement of an elaborate parable or riddle (Hebrew: *chîdâh*) that the prophet Ezekiel is divinely commissioned to speak to the "rebellious house" of Israel (Ezekiel 17:2). This intricate allegory, which unfolds throughout the chapter, meticulously illustrates the complex political events surrounding the Babylonian conquest of Judah. Verses 1-10 present the riddle itself, while the subsequent verses, 11-21, provide God's explicit interpretation, identifying the symbolic eagles, the vine, and the branches, and elucidating the covenant violations that precipitated Judah's downfall. The chapter culminates with a powerful messianic promise of a tender twig planted on a high and lofty mountain (Ezekiel 17:22-24), foreshadowing future restoration under the reign of a righteous, Davidic king.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy articulated in Ezekiel 17 was delivered during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically following the first major deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC. This initial wave of exiles included King Jehoiachin (who is symbolically represented as the "highest branch" in this verse) and the prophet Ezekiel himself. At the time of this prophecy, Judah was governed by Zedekiah, a puppet king installed by Nebuchadnezzar. The "great eagle" is an unmistakable representation of Nebuchadnezzar, the formidable king of Babylon, whose empire was vast, swift, and overwhelmingly powerful. "Lebanon," renowned for its majestic cedar trees, was a potent symbol of strength, grandeur, and national pride throughout the ancient Near East. The imagery employed by Ezekiel would have been immediately comprehensible to his audience, who were grappling with the devastating reality of their nation's subjugation and the profound theological question of God's perceived abandonment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several crucial themes that permeate Ezekiel's prophetic message and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as the actions of the "great eagle" are explicitly prefaced by the declaration, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," emphasizing God's ultimate and unchallengeable control over global powers and historical events, even those that appear chaotic or unjust from a human perspective. Secondly, the theme of **Judgment and Consequences** for covenant unfaithfulness is central, as the taking of the "highest branch" vividly foreshadows the complete dismantling of Judah's monarchy due to its persistent rebellion against God and its treacherous political alliances. Finally, **Prophetic Allegory** itself is a key theme, as Ezekiel frequently employs vivid symbolic language and extended parables to convey complex theological truths and historical realities, making the divine message both accessible and profoundly impactful, as seen not only in the two eagles and the vine in [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - The Riddle of the Eagles and the Vine") but also in the iconic vision of the valley of dry bones in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eagle (Hebrew, _nesher'_):** H5404, from an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle (or other large bird of prey). In biblical prophecy, the eagle frequently symbolizes a powerful, swift, and often destructive military force or empire, renowned for its predatory nature, far-reaching dominion, and decisive action. Here, it serves as the primary metaphorical representation of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his formidable imperial power.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** H1419, from גָּדַל; great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent. The deliberate repetition of "great" ("A great eagle with great wings") serves to emphatically underscore the immense power, vastness, and formidable nature of the Babylonian empire. This linguistic emphasis highlights its overwhelming strength and dominion in contrast to the comparatively vulnerable and diminished kingdom of Judah.
* **highest branch (Hebrew, _tsammereth'_):** H6788, from the same as צֶמֶר; fleeciness, i.e. foliage; highest branch, top. This term precisely refers to the topmost part of a tree, specifically its crown, leading shoot, or tenderest foliage. In this profound allegorical context, it functions as a clear and poignant metaphor for the reigning monarch and the elite leadership of Judah, specifically identifying King Jehoiachin, who was deported to Babylon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This authoritative opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It unequivocally declares that the subsequent riddle is not Ezekiel's own political commentary or human interpretation, but a direct, divinely inspired revelation from YHWH, the sovereign God of Israel. This declaration underscores that the unfolding historical events, however tragic or chaotic they may appear, are integral components of God's overarching plan and righteous judgment.
* **"A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon,":** This clause introduces the central symbolic figure of the parable: a powerful, majestic, and far-reaching eagle. The descriptive modifiers—"great wings," "longwinged," and "full of feathers"—collectively emphasize its immense power, swiftness in action, and vast territorial dominion, signifying an empire of considerable reach and formidable strength. The phrase "divers colours" may allude to the multi-ethnic composition of the Babylonian empire's diverse forces or the varied territories it had conquered. The eagle's destination, "Lebanon," is a potent symbolic representation of the kingdom of Judah, renowned for its magnificent cedar trees, which often symbolized national strength and royalty.
* **"and took the highest branch of the cedar:":** This concluding clause vividly describes the eagle's decisive and impactful action. The "cedar" symbolizes the royal house or noble lineage of Judah, historically known for its strength, majesty, and prominence. The "highest branch" specifically denotes the reigning king and the top echelon of Judah's political and religious leadership. This forceful act of "taking" unequivocally signifies the deportation of King Jehoiachin and the Judean elite to Babylon in 597 BC, marking a critical and devastating turning point in Judah's history and the definitive beginning of its subjugation under foreign rule.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:3 is profoundly rich in **Allegory** and **Symbolism**, serving as the foundational image upon which the entire chapter's extended riddle is built. The "great eagle" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for King Nebuchadnezzar and the formidable Babylonian Empire, effectively conveying its predatory power, vast territorial reach, and swift military prowess. "Lebanon" and the "cedar" are potent **Symbols** representing the kingdom of Judah and its royal house, respectively, drawing upon the widely understood cultural association of cedars with majesty, strength, and national pride. The "highest branch" is a poignant **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** for King Jehoiachin and the leading figures of Judah, highlighting their forcible removal and the effective decapitation of the nation's leadership. The vivid and carefully chosen imagery creates a compelling and memorable picture, enabling the complex geopolitical realities and divine judgments to be understood through a divinely inspired, narrative framework.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:3 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of God's absolute and unwavering sovereignty over all nations and their rulers. Even the most formidable and seemingly autonomous empires, such as Babylon, operate not outside of God's will but rather as instruments in His divine plan for judgment, discipline, and ultimately, redemption. For Judah, this meant that their devastating exile was not a random misfortune or a mere political defeat, but a direct and orchestrated consequence of their persistent unfaithfulness to the covenant, orchestrated by the very God they had forsaken. This verse sets the crucial theological stage for understanding that while human choices, political maneuvers, and national rebellions certainly have dire consequences, ultimately, the Lord GOD remains the supreme director of history, using even pagan kings and their empires to accomplish His righteous purposes and uphold His divine justice. It is a profound declaration that no earthly power can thwart the divine will or escape divine accountability.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Judgment")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, and Removes Kings")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:3, while deeply rooted in the specific historical context of ancient Judah's downfall, offers timeless and universally applicable truths for reflection and contemporary application. It profoundly calls us to recognize that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and circumstances, even when situations appear chaotic, unjust, or utterly beyond human control. For those facing personal crises, national turmoil, or global uncertainties, this verse can provide a deep and abiding sense of peace, reminding us that no event, however devastating or bewildering, falls outside the purview of the Almighty. It challenges us to look beyond immediate political or economic turmoil and to prayerfully discern God's active hand at work, whether in judgment, discipline, or preparation for future restoration and blessing. Furthermore, it serves as a sobering reminder that all nations and their leaders are ultimately accountable to a higher, divine authority, encouraging us to consistently pray for our leaders and to strive to live righteously, knowing with certainty that God's ultimate justice will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty over nations, as powerfully depicted in this verse, impact your view of current global events and political developments?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or in what challenging circumstances do you need to trust more fully in God's ultimate control, even when situations seem overwhelming, unjust, or completely out of your hands?**
* **What profound lessons can we draw from Judah's historical experience regarding the consequences of unfaithfulness to God's covenant, both for individuals and for entire communities or nations today?**

### FAQ
**Who does the "great eagle" in Ezekiel 17:3 represent?**

Answer: The "great eagle" in Ezekiel 17:3 is a clear and powerful symbolic representation of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his formidable empire. This interpretation is explicitly confirmed later in the chapter by the Lord Himself in [Ezekiel 17:12](/ezekiel/17-12 "Ezekiel 17:12 - God's Interpretation of the Riddle"), where God explains that the eagle "came to Babylon" and took the "king thereof, and the princes thereof." Nebuchadnezzar's empire was widely known for its vast territorial reach, swift and decisive military campaigns, and its predatory nature in subjugating other nations, making the eagle a profoundly fitting and apt symbol for his immense power and dominion over Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 17:3 directly addresses the historical subjugation of Judah by the Babylonian Empire, it implicitly points to the ultimate and perfect sovereignty of God, a divine attribute fully embodied and revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "great eagle" represents an earthly king who forcefully removes the "highest branch" of a corrupt and unfaithful kingdom, but the very same chapter later introduces a profound contrasting image: a "tender twig" that the Lord Himself will plant on a "high and lofty mountain" (Ezekiel 17:22-24). This "tender twig" is a clear and powerful messianic prophecy, foreshadowing the coming of a righteous King from the lineage of David, who will establish an everlasting and unshakeable kingdom. Jesus is the true "tender twig," the rightful and perfect heir to David's throne, who, unlike the failed and unfaithful kings of Judah, perfectly fulfills God's covenant and righteous requirements. He is the one who truly takes away sin, not merely the "highest branch" of a nation, but the very root of humanity's rebellion against God, as beautifully prophesied in [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - A Shoot from Jesse's Stump"). Through His ultimate atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus establishes a spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly empires, gathering a people from "divers colours" (meaning all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages) into His eternal fold, as vividly described in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation"). Thus, the divine sovereignty over nations, powerfully hinted at in the eagle's actions, finds its ultimate expression, redemptive purpose, and eternal fulfillment in the glorious reign of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will one day return to establish His kingdom in its triumphant and everlasting fullness, as promised in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord").

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

Jeremiah 48:40

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.

Hosea 8:1

¶ [Set] the trumpet to thy mouth. [He shall come] as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.

Ezekiel 17:7

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

Daniel 4:22

It [is] thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

Ezekiel 17:12

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these [things mean]? tell [them], Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

Ezekiel 17:21

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it].

Daniel 7:4

The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.