17:4 17:4

Ezekiel 17:5

17:6 17:6

Bible Versions

He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed [it] by great waters, [and] set it [as] a willow tree.
He took {H3947} also of the seed {H2233} of the land {H776}, and planted {H5414} it in a fruitful {H2233} field {H7704}; he placed {H3947} it by great {H7227} waters {H4325}, and set {H7760} it as a willow tree {H6851}.
He also took some of the seed in the land and planted it in fertile soil, placing it where there was abundant water, as one would a willow.
He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow.
He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful soil; he placed it beside many waters; he set it as a willow-tree.

Ezekiel 17:5 is a crucial verse within the elaborate "Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine," a significant prophetic allegory given by God through the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. This verse introduces the second phase of the parable, describing how the first great eagle (representing King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon) established a new ruler in Jerusalem after deporting King Jehoiachin.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, and his prophecies often used vivid imagery and parables to convey God's message of judgment and future restoration. The "seed of the land" in this verse refers to Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, whom Nebuchadnezzar renamed Zedekiah and placed on the throne as a vassal king in Judah (2 Kings 24:17). This occurred after the first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, when Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens were taken captive to Babylon.

The "fruitful field" and "great waters" symbolize Babylon itself, or more broadly, the sphere of Babylonian influence and power. Nebuchadnezzar intended for Zedekiah to thrive under Babylonian suzerainty, provided he remained loyal. The phrase "set it as a willow tree" further emphasizes this. Willow trees are known for their rapid growth and dependence on abundant water sources, signifying Zedekiah's expected reliance and subservience to Babylon for his kingdom's stability.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: This verse underscores God's absolute control over nations and their leaders. Even the actions of powerful kings like Nebuchadnezzar were part of God's overarching plan for Judah, using foreign powers as instruments of His judgment and discipline.
  • Vassalage and Dependency: The imagery of the "seed" planted by "great waters" as a "willow tree" perfectly illustrates the subordinate position of Zedekiah. His rule, and the very existence of Judah, was entirely dependent on Babylon's favor and the terms of the covenant he made with Nebuchadnezzar.
  • Setting the Stage for Judgment: While seemingly a benevolent act of placing a new king, this arrangement was a test of Judah's faithfulness. The subsequent verses in Ezekiel 17 reveal Zedekiah's rebellion against this covenant, which ultimately led to Jerusalem's final destruction and the complete Babylonian captivity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "seed of the land" (מזרע הארץ - mizra' ha'aretz) highlights the royal lineage and native origin of the new king, distinguishing him from a foreign imposition. The "willow tree" (ערבה - 'arabah) is often associated with streams and rivers, emphasizing its need for consistent water and its pliable nature. This choice of tree implies a flourishing existence contingent upon remaining rooted in the provided "waters" – a metaphor for the Babylonian alliance.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 17:5 reminds us that even when circumstances seem to be orchestrated by human powers, God is ultimately at work behind the scenes, directing the course of history (see Daniel 2:21). For individuals, it teaches the importance of faithfulness to covenants and commitments, whether with God or with others. Zedekiah's failure to uphold his oath to Babylon, which he swore in the Lord's name, brought severe consequences. This serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity of promises and the repercussions of breaking them, especially when they involve divine witness.

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.

  • Isaiah 44:4

    And they shall spring up [as] among the grass, as willows by the water courses.

  • Deuteronomy 8:7

    For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

  • Deuteronomy 8:9

    A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any [thing] in it; a land whose stones [are] iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

  • Ezekiel 17:13

    And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

  • 2 Kings 24:17

    And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

  • Isaiah 15:7

    Therefore the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have laid up, shall they carry away to the brook of the willows.

  • Ezekiel 19:11

    And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches.
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