Ezekiel 17:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There was also another {H259} great {H1419} eagle {H5404} with great {H1419} wings {H3671} and many {H7227} feathers {H5133}: and, behold, this vine {H1612} did bend {H3719} her roots {H8328} toward him, and shot forth {H7971} her branches {H1808} toward him, that he might water {H8248} it by the furrows {H6170} of her plantation {H4302}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'There was another big eagle with great wings and many feathers; and the vine bent its roots toward him and put forth its branches toward him, so that he might water it more than in the bed where it was planted.

Berean Standard Bible

But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from its planting bed, so that he might water it.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:7 is a pivotal verse within a complex allegorical riddle, revealing the treacherous political maneuverings of King Zedekiah of Judah. It introduces a second powerful entity, symbolized by "another great eagle," representing Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt. The verse vividly portrays the "vine," which embodies the kingdom of Judah and its king, Zedekiah, actively turning away from its sworn allegiance to Babylon (represented by the first eagle) and desperately seeking sustenance and military aid from Egypt, thereby illustrating a profound act of disloyalty and a breach of divine covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 17:7 is an integral part of a protracted allegorical riddle delivered by God to Ezekiel, beginning in [Ezekiel 17:1](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - The Parable of the Two Eagles and the Vine"). The preceding verses introduce the first "great eagle" ([Ezekiel 17:3](/ezekiel/17-3 "Ezekiel 17:3 - The First Eagle and the Cedar")), representing Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, who had uprooted the "top of the cedar" (King Jehoiachin and the Judean elite) and planted a "seed of the land" (Zedekiah) as a vassal king, binding him by a solemn oath. Verse 7 then introduces the second eagle, setting up the central conflict of Zedekiah's betrayal. The subsequent verses ([Ezekiel 17:8-10](/ezekiel/17-8 "Ezekiel 17:8-10 - The Vine's Growth and Withering")) describe the initial prosperity of the vine under Babylonian suzerainty and the dire consequences of its turning to the second eagle, leading directly into God's pronouncement of judgment and Zedekiah's inevitable downfall for breaking his covenant ([Ezekiel 17:11-21](/ezekiel/17-11 "Ezekiel 17:11-21 - God's Judgment on the Broken Covenant")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 17 is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. King Jehoiachin had been deported, and Zedekiah, his uncle, was installed as a puppet king by Babylon. Zedekiah swore a solemn oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar, likely in the name of Yahweh, which was a deeply significant act in the ancient Near East. Oaths, especially those involving deities, were considered binding and their violation a grave offense, inviting divine wrath. Judah, situated strategically between the dominant powers of Mesopotamia (Babylon) and Egypt, often found itself caught in geopolitical struggles, frequently seeking alliances with one power against the other. Pharaoh Hophra (Apries in Greek sources), who ruled Egypt from 589-570 BC, was known for his attempts to reassert Egyptian influence in the Levant, making him a natural, albeit ultimately unreliable, ally for Judah in its bid for independence from Babylon. The agricultural imagery of vines, roots, and watering would have been immediately understandable to an Israelite audience, deeply connected to the land and its produce.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Treachery and Broken Covenants**, as Zedekiah's appeal to Egypt directly violates his sacred oath to Babylon, an act God views as a profound breach of covenant made in His name ([Ezekiel 17:15-19](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15-19 - The Consequences of Covenant Breaking")). This highlights the divine demand for faithfulness and integrity. Another significant theme is **False Reliance**, as Judah's desperate turning to Egypt symbolizes a misplaced trust in human alliances and military might rather than relying on God's sovereignty and protection. This echoes warnings found elsewhere, such as [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help"). The parable also foreshadows **Divine Judgment**, setting the stage for God's inevitable wrath upon Judah for its rebellion and faithlessness, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Despite the human political machinations, the underlying message reinforces **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating His ultimate control over nations and rulers, using them as instruments to fulfill His purposes and bring about His righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eagle (Hebrew, _nesher'_):** From an unused root meaning to lacerate; the eagle (or other large bird of prey). In this context, it symbolizes a powerful, predatory nation or ruler. The "another great eagle" specifically refers to Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt, whose might and reach are emphasized by the "great wings and many feathers." The imagery suggests a formidable power capable of offering significant, though ultimately futile, assistance.
* **vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** From an unused root meaning to bend; a vine (as twining), especially the grape. The vine is a common biblical metaphor for Israel or Judah, often representing its relationship with God. Here, it specifically represents the kingdom of Judah under King Zedekiah. The inherent nature of a vine to "bend" or twine, as implied by the root meaning, subtly foreshadows Judah's inclination to "bend" its allegiance.
* **water (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** A primitive root; to quaff, i.e. (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to. This word signifies the provision of sustenance, life, and vitality. In the allegorical context, Zedekiah's desire for the eagle to "water" the vine represents his desperate plea for military aid, resources, and political support from Egypt to sustain Judah's independence from Babylon. It highlights Judah's perceived need for external life-giving support.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers:"** This clause introduces the second major player in the allegory, distinct from the first eagle (Babylon) mentioned earlier in the chapter. The description emphasizes its formidable power and extensive reach, symbolizing Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt, a nation renowned for its military strength and imperial ambitions. The "great wings" and "many feathers" convey a sense of vastness, capability, and perhaps a multitude of resources or allies.
* **"and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him,"** This marks a decisive and intentional action by the "vine," representing King Zedekiah and the kingdom of Judah. The act of "bending her roots" signifies a fundamental reorientation of allegiance and a deep-seated desire for connection. Roots are foundational, providing stability and drawing nourishment; thus, bending them towards another power indicates a profound shift in loyalty and a search for a new source of sustenance and security.
* **"and shot forth her branches toward him,"** Complementing the bending of roots, the "shooting forth of branches" further illustrates the active and overt nature of Judah's appeal to Egypt. Branches are visible and productive, reaching out for light and support. This imagery depicts Zedekiah's open overtures, diplomatic efforts, and military appeals to Egypt, seeking an alliance and protection against Babylon. It's an active, visible demonstration of disloyalty.
* **"that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation."** This final clause reveals the motivation behind the vine's actions. To be "watered" signifies receiving vital nourishment, military aid, and political support to thrive and grow. The "furrows of her plantation" refer to the prepared ground, emphasizing that Judah was seeking this sustenance for its very existence and continued flourishing within its own territory. This highlights Judah's desperate hope that Egypt would provide the necessary resources to break free from Babylonian control and restore its former strength, a hope that would ultimately prove to be a delusion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:7 is rich in **Allegory**, where the entire narrative of the two eagles and the vine serves as an extended metaphor for the political realities of Judah's relationship with Babylon and Egypt. Each element—the eagles, the vine, the roots, the branches, and the act of watering—is a **Symbol** representing specific historical entities and actions. The "great eagles" symbolize powerful imperial nations (Babylon and Egypt), while the "vine" symbolizes the kingdom of Judah and its king, Zedekiah. The verse also employs **Personification**, attributing human-like actions and intentions to the inanimate vine, such as "bend her roots" and "shot forth her branches," making the allegory more vivid and relatable. This personification underscores the active and intentional nature of Zedekiah's political choices. Furthermore, the use of **Imagery** is powerful and consistent, drawing on agricultural motifs (vine, roots, branches, furrows, watering) that would have resonated deeply with an ancient agrarian society. This vivid imagery effectively conveys complex geopolitical dynamics in a memorable and impactful way, highlighting Judah's desperate search for sustenance and security from an external, forbidden source.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:7 encapsulates the profound theological truth that God views the breaking of a solemn oath, especially one made in His name, as a grave offense, regardless of the political expediency or desperation that might motivate it. Zedekiah's turning to Egypt was not merely a geopolitical miscalculation but a spiritual betrayal, a violation of the covenant he had sworn before God. This act underscores the divine demand for faithfulness, integrity, and trust in God's sovereign plan rather than relying on human alliances. It also highlights the folly of seeking deliverance outside of God's prescribed path, as such actions inevitably lead to judgment rather than salvation. The verse sets the stage for God's righteous wrath against Judah's rebellion, demonstrating that divine justice holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions and their fidelity to Him.

* [2 Chronicles 36:13](/2_chronicles/36-13 "2 Chronicles 36:13 - Zedekiah's Rebellion and Broken Oath")
* [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Pharaoh's Army Will Return to Egypt")
* [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Hosea 8:7 - Sowing the Wind, Reaping the Whirlwind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:7 offers a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust and the profound consequences of spiritual and moral infidelity. In our own lives, we often face situations where we are tempted to seek "watering" from sources other than God—whether it be relying on human wisdom, financial security, political systems, or personal connections, rather than trusting in His sovereign provision and guidance. This verse challenges us to examine where our "roots" are bending and our "branches" are reaching. Are we seeking our sustenance and security from the world's "great eagles," or are we firmly rooted in Christ, drawing life from the true Vine? The integrity of our commitments, especially those made before God, is paramount. Just as Zedekiah's broken oath brought about Jerusalem's downfall, our own compromises and disloyalties can lead to spiritual barrenness and negative consequences. This passage calls us to unwavering faithfulness, reminding us that true security and flourishing come only from abiding in God's will and trusting His unfailing strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "bend your roots" towards worldly solutions or human alliances instead of trusting God's provision?**
* **How does this passage challenge your understanding of faithfulness and integrity in your commitments, both to God and to others?**
* **What "furrows" in your life are you hoping a "second eagle" will water, and how might you reorient your dependence solely on the Lord?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "furrows of her plantation" in this verse?**

Answer: The "furrows of her plantation" refers to the prepared ground where the vine (Judah) was planted and expected to grow. In the context of the allegory, it signifies Judah's own territory and its desire for sustenance and flourishing within its land. The vine's hope that the second eagle (Egypt) would "water it by the furrows of her plantation" means that Zedekiah was seeking military and political support from Egypt to secure and strengthen Judah's position within its own borders, hoping to break free from Babylonian control and restore its prosperity. It highlights Judah's desperate need for external life-giving support to maintain its national existence and productivity.

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

Answer: Ezekiel 17:7 is central to Ezekiel's overarching message of God's sovereignty, judgment, and the consequences of Israel's rebellion and idolatry. The parable of the eagles and the vine serves as a vivid illustration of Judah's political and spiritual unfaithfulness, directly linking their actions (seeking foreign alliances) to their impending destruction. It underscores themes of covenant breaking, misplaced trust, and divine justice, which are pervasive throughout the book. Ezekiel consistently portrays God as the one who holds nations accountable, even using powerful empires like Babylon and Egypt as instruments of His will, ultimately demonstrating that true hope and restoration can only come through repentance and reliance on God alone, as seen in later chapters like [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - The Restoration of Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:7, with its depiction of a vine seeking life from a "great eagle" (Egypt) rather than its true planter, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate truth found in Christ. While Zedekiah's vine sought external, unreliable sustenance, Jesus declares Himself to be the [True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), inviting His followers to abide in Him to bear fruit. The failure of Judah to trust in God and their desperate reliance on human alliances, which led to judgment, stands in stark contrast to the perfect faithfulness of Christ. He did not seek earthly power or political alliances to establish His kingdom; instead, He humbly submitted to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, becoming the ultimate source of life and "watering" for all who believe. The broken covenant of Zedekiah finds its ultimate fulfillment and restoration in the [New Covenant established through Christ's blood](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"). Where Judah failed in its fidelity, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, offering true security and eternal life. His sacrifice on the cross, not an alliance with a worldly power, is the true "watering" that brings spiritual life and fruitfulness to those who are grafted into Him ([Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17-24 - Grafted In")). He is the true King who does not break His covenant, and in Him, we find the steadfast love and unfailing provision that Judah desperately, yet wrongly, sought from another.

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

Ezekiel 31:4

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.

Ezekiel 17:15

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such [things]? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

2 Kings 24:20

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

2 Chronicles 26:13

And under their hand [was] an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.

Jeremiah 37:5

Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 37:7

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.