TRV
Ezekiel 17:6
Bible Versions
And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
And it grew {H6779}, and became a spreading {H5628} vine {H1612} of low {H8217} stature {H6967}, whose branches {H1808} turned {H6437} toward him, and the roots {H8328} thereof were under him: so it became a vine {H1612}, and brought forth {H6213} branches {H905}, and shot {H7971} forth sprigs {H6288}.
It grew to become a fruitful vine sprawling over the ground; its branches turned toward him, and its roots were under him - thus it became a vine, sprouting branches and putting forth shoots.
It sprouted and became a spreading vine, low in height, with branches turned toward him; yet its roots remained where it stood. So it became a vine and yielded branches and sent out shoots.
And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.
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Ezekiel 17:14
That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand. -
Proverbs 16:18
¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. -
Proverbs 16:19
¶ Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Commentary on Ezekiel 17:6 KJV
Context
The verse is part of an elaborate riddle or parable given by God to the prophet Ezekiel, found in Ezekiel 17:1-10. This prophetic allegory uses the imagery of two great eagles, a cedar tree, and a vine to illustrate the political turmoil and divine judgment unfolding upon the kingdom of Judah. The first great eagle represents King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who had deported King Jehoiachin and the nobles of Judah (the "highest branch of the cedar"). In their place, Nebuchadnezzar established Zedekiah as a vassal king, taking an oath of loyalty from him. Verse 6 specifically describes the new kingdom under Zedekiah, initially planted by Nebuchadnezzar.Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "vine" is gephen (גֶּפֶן), a common biblical metaphor for Israel, often depicting its relationship with God or its national character. Here, its "low stature" (shefal - שָׁפָל) emphasizes humility and subjugation, a stark contrast to the grand cedar from which the original branch was taken. The imagery reinforces the idea of a kingdom that is no longer independent but is sustained by an external power.Practical Application
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of covenant-breaking and the importance of faithfulness, not just to God but also in earthly agreements. For believers, it underscores the principle that true prosperity and stability come from aligning with God's will and remaining faithful to our commitments. Just as Zedekiah's kingdom was dependent on Nebuchadnezzar, so too are we dependent on God for our spiritual growth and well-being. Any attempt to seek alternative sources of strength or break vows can lead to devastating consequences, as seen in the later fate of Judah. It also highlights the fragility of worldly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and rulers, a theme echoed in Daniel 4:17.