Ezekiel 17:8

Translation
King James Version
It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
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KJV (with Strong's)
It was planted H8362 in a good H2896 soil H7704 by great H7227 waters H4325, that it might bring forth H6213 branches H6057, and that it might bear H5375 fruit H6529, that it might be a goodly H155 vine H1612.
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Complete Jewish Bible
It had been planted in good soil, near plenty of water, so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a noble vine.'
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Berean Standard Bible
It had been planted in good soil by abundant waters in order to yield branches and bear fruit and become a splendid vine.’
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American Standard Version
It was planted in a good soil by many waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
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World English Bible Messianic
It was planted in a good soil by many waters, that it might produce branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
It was planted in a good soyle by great waters, that it should bring forth branches, and beare fruite, and be an excellent vine.
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Young's Literal Translation
On a good field, by many waters, it is planted, To make branches, and to bear fruit, To be for an goodly vine.
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See also
Ezekiel 17:5Ezekiel 17:6
In the KJVVerse 20,834 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezekiel 17:8 is a central component of God's allegorical riddle concerning two great eagles and a vine, illustrating the initial, seemingly favorable conditions bestowed upon the kingdom of Judah under King Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This verse vividly portrays Judah's potential for robust growth and stability, being "planted in a good soil by great waters," with the explicit divine purpose that it "might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine." It encapsulates a period of conditional grace and opportunity, contingent upon Judah's loyalty to its Babylonian suzerain, thereby setting the crucial stage for the unfolding narrative of Zedekiah's tragic rebellion and its inevitable, devastating consequences.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Ezekiel 17:8 is situated within a complex and highly symbolic parable (Ezekiel 17:1-10) delivered by God through the prophet Ezekiel, which is subsequently interpreted in explicit detail (Ezekiel 17:11-21). The "first great eagle with great wings" (Ezekiel 17:3) represents King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who seized the "top of the highest branch of the cedar" (symbolizing King Jehoiachin and the Judean aristocracy) and transported them to Babylon (Ezekiel 17:4). Following this initial deportation, Nebuchadnezzar took a "seed of the land" (referring to Zedekiah, Jehoiachin's uncle) and established him as a vassal king in Jerusalem. Verse 8 describes this new political arrangement, emphasizing the apparently ideal circumstances provided by Babylon for Judah to recover and prosper, provided it maintained its sworn allegiance. The verses immediately following this passage (Ezekiel 17:9-10) dramatically pivot to describe the vine's subsequent uprooting and demise, foreshadowing Zedekiah's fatal betrayal of his oath and the resulting divine judgment.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 17:8 is the tumultuous period following the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. After this conquest, Nebuchadnezzar deported King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of Jerusalem's elite to Babylon, installing Zedekiah (originally named Mattaniah) as a puppet king in Judah. The agrarian imagery of "good soil" and "great waters" would have held profound resonance for the people of Judah, whose society was deeply rooted in agriculture. These elements symbolized fertility, abundant irrigation, and the essential conditions for prosperity and vigorous growth. In this allegory, Babylon, as the dominant imperial power, provided these "great waters" through its political and military protection, offering Judah a chance to rebuild and stabilize after the initial upheaval. This arrangement was a calculated strategic move by Babylon to secure its western frontier, granting Judah a conditional opportunity to flourish under its suzerainty, but demanding absolute loyalty and tribute in return.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Control, demonstrating that even the actions of powerful foreign monarchs like Nebuchadnezzar are ultimately instruments in God's hand, used to execute His overarching purposes, whether they be judgment or the establishment of new orders. This resonates with the biblical truth that God "removes kings and sets up kings" as profoundly declared in Daniel 2:21. Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of Covenant and Loyalty, as Judah's potential to become a "goodly vine" was entirely predicated upon Zedekiah's unwavering adherence to the solemn oath he had made to Babylon. This political loyalty serves as a powerful mirror to a deeper spiritual principle: true prosperity and blessing are intrinsically linked to faithfulness and obedience to established agreements, whether human covenants or divine commands. The tragic failure of Zedekiah to uphold this covenant by seeking military assistance from Egypt is meticulously detailed in Ezekiel 17:15, leading to catastrophic consequences. Thirdly, the Symbolism of the Vine is profoundly prominent. Throughout Scripture, the vine frequently serves as a powerful metaphor for Israel or God's chosen people. Here, Judah is explicitly portrayed as a vine, capable of bearing fruit if properly nurtured and if it remains true to its allegiance. Other passages, such as Psalm 80:8 and Isaiah 5:7, similarly employ the vine imagery to depict God's relationship with His chosen nation, often lamenting its failure to produce righteous fruit.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Goodly (Hebrew, ʼaddereth', H155): This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "ample" or "majestic," describes something grand, splendid, or noble. In the context of a "goodly vine," it signifies a vine that is not merely healthy but robust, impressive, and flourishing, reflecting the potential for Judah to become a significant and strong kingdom under the conditions provided by Babylon. It speaks to a state of dignity, prominence, and even glory.
  • Vine (Hebrew, gephen', H1612): This term refers specifically to the grape vine, which is characterized by its twining growth habit and its capacity for bearing fruit. In biblical symbolism, gephen is a pervasive metaphor for Israel or Judah, frequently used to describe their relationship with God and their potential for fruitfulness, or conversely, their failure to produce good fruit. Here, it directly represents the kingdom of Judah under the vassalage of Zedekiah.
  • Planted (Hebrew, shâthal', H8362): This primitive root verb means "to transplant" or "to plant." Its use in this verse emphasizes a deliberate, intentional, and purposeful act of establishment. It highlights Nebuchadnezzar's instrumental role, under God's overarching sovereign hand, in setting up Zedekiah as king and providing the initial conditions for Judah's potential recovery, rather than the vine growing naturally or by its own spontaneous accord.

Verse Breakdown

  • "It was planted in a good soil by great waters": This foundational clause describes the exceptionally advantageous conditions under which the "seed of the land" (Zedekiah, representing the kingdom of Judah) was deliberately established by the Babylonian king. "Good soil" symbolizes a highly suitable environment or a fertile opportunity for growth, stability, and restoration, while "great waters" represent abundant resources, comprehensive protection, and the vital means for flourishing provided by the dominant imperial power, Babylon. This implies that Judah was initially granted every conceivable opportunity to thrive and regain its strength.
  • "that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit": These two phrases articulate the explicit purpose and the divinely intended outcome of this strategic planting. "Bringing forth branches" signifies expansion, increased strength, and robust vitality, indicating a healthy and growing kingdom. "Bearing fruit" refers to productivity, prosperity, and the full realization of its potential as a flourishing nation. This desired fruitfulness was, however, entirely contingent upon Judah's faithfulness to the terms of its establishment and its loyalty to Babylon.
  • "that it might be a goodly vine": This concluding clause states the ultimate, overarching goal of the planting: for Judah to become a majestic, splendid, and strong kingdom. The phrase "goodly vine" encapsulates the ideal state of flourishing, prominence, and dignity that was genuinely within Judah's reach, had it maintained its loyalty, honored its oath, and adhered to the covenant established with Babylon.

Literary Devices

Ezekiel 17:8 is profoundly rich in Allegory and Symbolism, serving as a crucial component of an extended prophetic parable. The entire narrative functions as an intricate Allegory, where each character and action represents real historical figures and events: the two eagles are powerful kings (Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh), and the vine is the kingdom of Judah. Symbolism is pervasive throughout the verse: the "good soil" and "great waters" are potent symbols of the favorable conditions, abundant resources, and protective suzerainty offered by Babylon. "Branches" and "fruit" symbolize the growth, strength, and prosperity of the kingdom, representing its potential for expansion and productivity. The "vine" itself is a powerful and recurring Metaphor for Israel/Judah throughout the Old Testament, representing God's chosen people and their capacity for fruitfulness or, conversely, their barrenness. The repeated use of "that it might" clauses indicates Conditional Prosperity, highlighting that the potential for flourishing was not guaranteed but was entirely dependent on specific actions, thereby foreshadowing Zedekiah's tragic failure to meet these conditions.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezekiel 17:8, while outwardly describing a political arrangement between nations, carries profound theological weight and implications. It underscores God's meticulous and sovereign involvement in the intricate tapestry of human history, even in the rise and fall of empires and the installation of kings. The "good soil" and "great waters" represent not merely physical resources or political opportunities but also divine provision and a window of grace. This demonstrates that even in the midst of judgment and exile, God provides a path for potential restoration and flourishing, albeit under specific, often conditional, terms. This highlights the enduring biblical principle that true prosperity and blessing, whether for a nation or an individual, are intrinsically tied to faithfulness to established covenants and an unwavering reliance on the true source of all life and sustenance. The verse, therefore, serves as a powerful theological statement about stewardship, the grave consequences of rebellion, and the ever-present, orchestrating hand of God working all events for His ultimate, redemptive purposes.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Ezekiel 17:8 offers a profound and challenging lens through which to view our own lives and circumstances. Just as the kingdom of Judah was "planted in a good soil by great waters" with the immense potential to become a "goodly vine," we too are frequently placed by God in contexts rich with spiritual resources, abundant opportunities, and divine provision. These "good soils" might represent our families, our communities, our churches, or even the specific talents, gifts, and callings God has graciously bestowed upon us. The "great waters" could symbolize the life-giving Holy Spirit, the nourishing Word of God, supportive and godly relationships, or periods of peace and stability that allow for spiritual growth. This verse challenges us to deeply consider what "fruit" we are actively bearing with these divine provisions. Are we faithfully stewarding the opportunities God has entrusted to us? Are we living in unwavering loyalty to our divine covenant with Him, or are we tempted to seek security, prosperity, or fulfillment through worldly alliances, broken promises, and self-reliance, much like Zedekiah? This passage serves as a poignant call to examine our faithfulness, reminding us that true spiritual flourishing is not an automatic outcome but is a direct result of abiding deeply in God and living in obedient alignment with His will, trusting implicitly that He orchestrates all things for His glory, even through challenging and seemingly adverse circumstances.

Questions for Reflection

  • What specific "good soil" and "great waters" has God provided in my life that are meant to enable me to flourish spiritually?
  • What "fruit" is God actively calling me to bear in my current season of life, and how can I more intentionally cultivate it?
  • In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek worldly alliances or compromise my commitments, rather than trusting solely in God's provision and remaining loyal to Him?

FAQ

What is the significance of the "good soil" and "great waters" in this parable?

Answer: In the allegorical riddle of Ezekiel 17, "good soil" and "great waters" symbolize the highly favorable conditions and abundant resources that the Babylonian empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, provided to the kingdom of Judah and its newly installed vassal king, Zedekiah. Following the initial deportation of King Jehoiachin and the Judean elite, Nebuchadnezzar deliberately established Zedekiah as a puppet king, offering Judah a crucial chance to recover, stabilize, and even prosper under Babylonian suzerainty. The "good soil" represents the fertile land of Judah itself, which remained capable of sustaining the kingdom. The "great waters" signify the political and military protection, as well as the economic stability and opportunities, that Babylon offered. Essentially, Judah was given everything it needed to flourish and become a strong, "goodly vine," provided it remained loyal and honored its oath to its Babylonian overlord. This imagery powerfully highlights the conditional nature of the prosperity and stability offered.

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

Answer: Ezekiel 17:8 is absolutely central to the broader prophetic message of the book of Ezekiel, which profoundly grapples with the themes of divine judgment, the experience of exile, and the eventual promise of Israel's restoration. This verse, describing the initial "planting" of the vine (Judah), meticulously sets up the crucial test of Judah's faithfulness under Zedekiah's leadership. His subsequent and catastrophic rebellion, detailed in Ezekiel 17:15-21, directly leads to the final, devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, thereby fulfilling God's righteous judgment against His disobedient people. However, the parable also subtly foreshadows a profound hope, as God later promises to plant a "tender twig" (Ezekiel 17:22-24), a clear messianic figure, who will truly become a "goodly cedar" and shelter all nations. Thus, the verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the course of history, demonstrating His unwavering justice in judgment while simultaneously hinting at His ultimate plan for redemption and the establishment of a new, faithful covenant.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Ezekiel 17:8 describes the potential flourishing of the earthly kingdom of Judah under a human king, its powerful imagery of the vine finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "goodly vine" that Judah tragically failed to be, due to Zedekiah's disloyalty and the nation's persistent spiritual unfaithfulness, is perfectly and eternally embodied in Christ Himself. Jesus unequivocally declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" (John 15:1). Unlike Zedekiah, who broke his solemn covenant and failed to bear good fruit, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every aspect of God's will, demonstrating perfect obedience even unto death, and bearing the ultimate fruit of redemption for humanity. Believers, through saving faith, are "planted" not in earthly soil by the hands of human powers, but are spiritually united to Christ Himself, becoming living branches that are called to "abide in Him" (John 15:5). The "great waters" that enable this spiritual flourishing are no longer the transient political stability offered by an earthly empire, but the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit and the profound spiritual nourishment found exclusively in Christ, leading to the abundant manifestation of the "fruit of the Spirit" such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, what was conditionally offered and tragically failed in the Old Testament finds its unconditional, eternal, and glorious reality in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, the true and goodly vine, through whom all who are united to Him can genuinely bear abundant and lasting fruit for the glory of God.

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Commentary on Ezekiel 17 verses 1–21

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We must take all these verses together, that we may have the parable and the explanation of it at one view before us, because they will illustrate one another. 1. The prophet is appointed to put forth a riddle to the house of Israel (Eze 17:2), not to puzzle them, as Samson's riddle was put forth to the Philistines, not to hide the mind of God from them in obscurity, or to leave them in uncertainty about it, one advancing one conjecture and another another, as is usual in expounding riddles; no, he is immediately to tell them the meaning of it. Let him that speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret, Co1 14:13. But he must deliver this message in a riddle or parable that they might take the more notice of it, might be the more affected with it themselves, and might the better remember it and tell it to others. For these reasons God often used similitudes by his servants the prophets, and Christ himself opened his mouth in parables. Riddles and parables are used for an amusement to ourselves and an entertainment to our friends. The prophet must make use of these to see if in this dress the things of God might find acceptance, and insinuate themselves into the minds of a careless people. Note, Ministers should study to find out acceptable words, and try various methods to do good; and, as far as they have reason to think will be for edification, should both bring that which is familiar into their preaching and their preaching too into their familiar discourse, that there may not be so vast a dissimilitude as with some there is between what they say in the pulpit and what they say out. 2. He is appointed to expound this riddle to the rebellious house, Eze 17:12. Though being rebellious they might justly have been left in ignorance, to see and hear and not perceive, yet the thing shall be explained to them: Know you not what these things mean? Those that knew the story, and what was now in agitation, might make a shrewd guess at the meaning of this riddle, but, that they might be left without excuse, he is to give it to them in plain terms, stripped of the metaphor. But the enigma was first propounded for them to study on awhile, and to send to their friends at Jerusalem, that they might enquire after and expect the solution of it some time after.

Let us now see what the matter of this message is.

I. Nebuchadnezzar had some time ago carried off Jehoiachin, the same that was called Jeconiah, when he was but eighteen years of age and had reigned in Jerusalem but three months, him and his princes and great men, and had brought them captives to Babylon, Kg2 24:12. This in the parable is represented by an eagle's cropping the top and tender branch of a cedar, and carrying it into a land of traffic, a city of merchants (Eze 17:3, Eze 17:4), which is explained Eze 17:12. The king of Babylon took the king of Jerusalem, who was no more able to resist him than a young twig of a tree is to contend with the strongest bird of prey, that easily crops it off, perhaps towards the making of her nest. Nebuchadnezzar, in Daniel's vision, is a lion, the king of beasts (Dan 7:4); there he has eagle's wings, so swift were his motions, so speedy were his conquests. Here, in this parable, he is an eagle, the king of birds, a great eagle, that lives upon spoil and rapine, whose young ones suck up blood, Job 39:30. His dominion extends itself far and wide, like the great and long wings of an eagle; the people are numerous, for it is full of feathers; the court is splendid, for it has divers colours, which look like embroidering, as the word is. Jerusalem is Lebanon, a forest of houses, and very pleasant. The royal family is the cedar; Jehoiachin is the top branch, the top of the young twigs, which he crops off. Babylon is the land of traffic and city of merchants where it is set. And the king of Judah, being of the house of David, will think himself much degraded and disgraced to be lodged among tradesmen; but he must make the best of it.

II. When he carried him to Babylon he made his uncle Zedekiah king in his room, Eze 17:5, Eze 17:6. His name was Mattaniah - the gift of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar changed into Zedekiah - the justice of the Lord, to remind him to be just like the God he called his, for fear of his justice. This was one of the seed of the land, a native, not a foreigner, not one of his Babylonian princes; he was planted in a fruitful field, for so Jerusalem as yet was; he placed it by great waters, where it would be likely to grow, like a willow-tree, which grows quickly, and grows best in moist ground, but is never designed nor expected to be a stately tree. He set it with care and circumspection (so some read it); he wisely provided that it might grow, but that it might not grow too big. He took of the king's seed (so it is explained, Eze 17:13) and made a covenant with him that he should have the kingdom, and enjoy the regal power and dignity, provided he held it as his vassal, dependent on him and accountable to him. He took an oath of him, made him swear allegiance to him, swear by his own God, the God of Israel, that he would be a faithful tributary to him, Ch2 36:13. He also took away the mighty of the land, the chief of the men of war, partly as hostages for the performance of the covenant, and partly that, the land being thereby weakened, the king might be the less able, and therefore the less in temptation, to break his league. What he designed we are told (Eze 17:14): That the kingdom might be base, in respect both of honour and strength, might neither be a rival with its powerful neighbours, nor a terror to its feeble ones, as it had been, that it might not left up itself to vie with the kingdom of Babylon, or to bear down any of the petty states that were in subjection to it. But yet he designed that by the keeping of this covenant it might stand, and continue a kingdom. Hereby the pride and ambition of that haughty potentate would be gratified, who aimed to be like the Most High (Isa 14:14), to have all about him subject to him. Now see here, 1. How sad a change sin made with the royal family of Judah. Time was when all the nations about were tributaries to that; now that has not only lost its dominion over other nations, but has itself become a tributary. How has the gold become dim! Nations by sin sell their liberty, and princes their dignity, and profane their crowns by casting them to the ground. 2. How wisely Zedekiah did for himself in accepting these terms, though they were dishonourable, when necessity brought him to it. A man may live very comfortably and contentedly, though he cannot bear a part, and make a figure, as formerly. A kingdom may stand firmly and safely, though it do not stand so high as it has sometimes done; and so may a family.

III. Zedekiah, while he continued faithful to the king of Babylon, did very well, and, if he would but have reformed his kingdom, and returned to God and his duty, he would have done better, and by that means might soon have recovered his former dignity, Eze 17:6. This plant grew, and though it was set as a willow-tree, and little account was made of it, yet it became a spreading vine of low stature, a great blessing to his own country, and his fruits made glad their hearts; and it is better to be a spreading vine of low stature than a lofty cedar of no use. Nebuchadnezzar was pleased, for the branches turned towards him, and rested on him as the vine on the wall, and he had his share of the fruits of this vine; the roots thereof too were under him, and at his disposal. The Jews had reason to be pleased, for they sat under their own vine, which brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs, and looked pleasant and promising. See how gradually the judgments of God came upon this provoking people, how God gave them respite and so gave them space to repent. He made their kingdom base, to try if that would humble them, before he made it no kingdom; yet left it easy for them, to try if that would win upon them to return to him, that the troubles threatened might be prevented.

IV. Zedekiah knew not when he was well off, but grew impatient of the disgrace of being a tributary to the king of Babylon, and, to get clear of it, entered into a private league with the king of Egypt. He had no reason to complain that the king of Babylon put any new hardships upon him or improved his advantages against him, that he oppressed or impoverished his country, for, as the prophet had said before (Eze 17:6) to aggravate his treachery, he shows again (Eze 17:8) what a fair way he was in to be considerable: He was planted in a good soil by great waters; his family was likely enough to be built up, and his exchequer to be filled, in a little time, so that, if he had dealt faithfully, he might have been a goodly vine. But there was another great eagle that he had an affection for, and put a confidence in, and that was the king of Egypt, Eze 17:7. Those two great potentates, the kings of Babylon and Egypt, were but two great eagles, birds of prey. This great eagle of Egypt is said to have great wings, but not to be long-winged as the king of Babylon, because, though the kingdom of Egypt was strong, yet it was not of such a vast extent as that of Babylon was. The great eagle is said to have many feathers, much wealth and many soldiers, which he depended upon as a substantial defence, but which really were no more than so may feathers. Zedekiah, promising himself liberty, made himself a vassal to the king of Egypt, foolishly expecting ease by changing his master. Now this vine did secretly and under-hand bend her roots towards the king of Egypt, that great eagle, and after awhile did openly shoot forth her branches towards him, give him an intimation how much she coveted an alliance with him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation, whereas it was planted by great waters, and did not need any assistance from him. This is expounded, Eze 17:15. Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people, to enable him to contend with the king of Babylon. See what a change sin had made with the people of God! God promised that they should be a numerous people, as the sand of the sea; yet now, if their king had occasion for much people, he must send to Egypt for them, they being for sin diminished and brought low, Psa 107:39. See also the folly of fretful discontented spirits, that ruin themselves by striving to better themselves, whereas they might be easy and happy enough if they would but make the best of that which is.

V. God here threatens Zedekiah with the utter destruction of him and his kingdom, and, in displeasure against him, passes that doom upon him for his treacherous revolt from the king of Babylon. This is represented in the parable (Eze 17:9, Eze 17:19) by the plucking up of this vine by the roots, the cutting off of the fruit, and the withering of the leaves, the leaves of her spring, when they are in their greenness (Job 8:12), before they begin in autumn to wither of themselves. The project shall be blasted; it shall utterly wither. The affairs of this perfidious prince shall be ruined past retrieve; as a vine when the east wind blasts it, so that it shall be fit for nothing but the fire (as we had it in that parable, Eze 15:4), it shall wither even in the furrows where it grew, though they were ever so well watered. It shall be destroyed without great power or many people to pluck it up; for what need is there of raising the militia to pluck up a vine? Note, God can bring great things to pass without much ado. He needs not great power and many people to effect his purposes; a handful will serve if he pleases. He can without any difficulty ruin a sinful king and kingdom, and make no more of it than we do of rooting up a tree that cumbers the ground. In the explanation of the parable the sentence is very largely recorded: Shall be prosper? Eze 17:15. Can he expect to do ill and fare well? Nay, shall he that does such wicked things escape? Shall he break the covenant, and be delivered from that vengeance which is the just punishment of his treachery? No; can he expect to do ill and not suffer ill? Let him hear his doom.

1.It is ratified by the oath of God (Eze 17:16): As I live, saith the Lord God, he shall die for it. This intimates how highly God resented the crime, and how sure and severe the punishment of it would be. God swears in his wrath, as he did Psa 95:11. Note, As God's promises are confirmed with an oath, for comfort to the saints, so are his threatenings, for terror to the wicked. As sure as God lives and is happy (I may add, and as long), so sure, so long, shall impenitent sinners die and be miserable.

2.It is justified by the heinousness of the crime he had been guilty of. (1.) He had been very ungrateful to his benefactor, who had made him king, and undertook to protect him, had made him a prince when he might as easily have made him a prisoner. Note, It is a sin against God to be unkind to our friends and to lift up the heel against those that have helped to raise us. (2.) He had been very false to him whom he had covenanted with. This is mostly insisted on: He despised the oath. When his conscience or friends reminded him of it he made a jest of it, put on a daring resolution, and broke it, Eze 17:15, Eze 17:16, Eze 17:18, Eze 17:19. He broke through it, and took a pride in making nothing of it, as a great tyrant in our own day, whose maxim (they say) it is, That princes ought not to be slaves to their word any further than it is for their interest. That which aggravated Zedekiah's perfidiousness was that the oath by which he had bound himself to the king of Babylon was, [1.] A solemn oath. An emphasis is laid upon this (Eze 17:18): When, lo, he had given his hand, as a confederate with the king of Babylon, not only as his subject, but as his friend, the joining of hands being a token of the joining of hearts. [2.] As sacred oath. God says (Eze 17:19): It is my oath that he has despised and my covenant that he has broken. In every solemn oath God is appealed to as a witness of the sincerity of him that swears, and invocated as a judge and revenger of his treachery if he now swear falsely or at any time hereafter break his oath. But the oath of allegiance to a prince is particularly called the oath of God (Ecc 8:2), as if that had something in it more sacred than another oath; for princes are ministers of God to us for good, Rom 13:4. Now Zedekiah's breaking this oath and covenant is the sin which God will recompense upon his own head (Eze 17:19), the trespass which he has trespassed against God, for which God will plead with him, Eze 17:20. Note, Perjury is a heinous sin and highly provoking to the God of heaven. It would not serve for an excuse, First, That he who took this oath was a king, a king of the house of David, whose liberty and dignity might surely set him above the obligation of oaths. No; though kings are gods to us, they are men to God, and not exempt from his law and judgment. The prince is doubtless as firmly bound before God to the people by his coronation-oath as the people are to the princes by the oath of allegiance. Secondly, Nor that this oath was sworn to the king of Babylon, a heathen prince, worse than a heretic, with whom the church of Rome says, No faith is to be kept. No; though Nebuchadnezzar was a worshipper of false gods, yet the true God will avenge this quarrel when one of his worshippers breaks his league with him; for truth is a debt due to all men; and, if the professors of the true religion deal perfidiously with those of a false religion, their profession will be so far from excusing, much less justifying them, that it aggravates their sin, and God will the more surely and severely punish it, because by it they give occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme; as that Mahometan prince, who, when the Christians broke their league with him, cried out, O Jesus! are these thy Christians? Thirdly, Nor would it justify him that the oath was extorted from him by a conqueror, for the covenant was made upon a valuable consideration. He held his life and crown upon this condition, that he should be faithful and bear true allegiance to the king of Babylon; and, if he enjoy the benefit of his bargain, it is very unjust if he do not observe the terms. Let him know then that, having despised the oath, and broken the covenant, he shall not escape. And if the contempt and violation of such an oath, such a covenant as this, would be so punished, of how much sorer punishment shall those be thought worthy who break covenant with God (when, lo, they had given their hand upon it that they would be faithful), who tread under foot the blood of that covenant as an unholy thing? Between the covenants there is no comparison.

3.It is particularized in divers instances, wherein the punishment is made to answer the sin. (1.) He had rebelled against the king of Babylon, and the king of Babylon should be his effectual conqueror. In the place where that king dwells whose covenant he broke, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die, Eze 17:16. He thinks to get out of his hands, but he shall fall, more than before, into his hands. God himself will now take part with the king of Babylon against him: I will spread my net upon him, Eze 17:20. God has a net for those who deal perfidiously and think to escape his righteous judgments, in which those shall be taken and held who would not be held by the bond of an oath and covenant. Zedekiah dreaded Babylon: "Thither I will bring him," says God, "and plead with him there." Men will justly be forced upon that calamity which they endeavour by sin to flee from. (2.) He had relied upon the king of Egypt, and the king of Egypt should be his ineffectual helper: Pharaoh with his mighty army shall not make for him in the war (Eze 17:17), shall to him no service, nor give any check to the progress of the Chaldean forces; he shall not assist him in the siege by casting up mounts and building forts, nor in battle by cutting off many person. Note, Every creature is that to us which God makes it to be; and he commonly weakens and withers that arm of flesh which we trust in and stay ourselves upon. Now was again fulfilled what was spoken on a former similar occasion (Isa 30:7), The Egyptians shall help in vain. They did so; for though, upon the approach of the Egyptian army, the Chaldeans withdrew from the siege of Jerusalem, upon their retreat they returned to it again and took it. It should seem, the Egyptians were not hearty, had strength enough, but no good-will, to help Zedekiah. Note, Those who deal treacherously with those who put a confidence in them will justly be dealt treacherously with by those they put a confidence in. Yet the Egyptians were not the only states Zedekiah stayed himself upon; he had bands of his own to stand by him, but those bands, though we may suppose they were veteran troops and the best soldiers his kingdom afforded, shall become fugitives, shall quit their posts, and make the best of their way, and shall fall by the sword of the enemy, and the remains of them shall be scattered, Eze 17:21. This was fulfilled when the city was broken up and all the men of war fled, Jer 52:7. This you shall now that I the Lord have spoken it. Note, Sooner or later God's word will prove itself; and those who will not believe shall find by experience the reality and weight of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–21. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON EZEKIEL 11:2
One who was condemned by God does not escape his sentence and does not want to change the will of he who judges him, but he will bear it with all patience until God frees the one who he has condemned.
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON EZEKIEL 11:3
When the association of such different natures is made in faith in Christ, the lion will no longer be impure, and all the animals called impure in the law of God will receive the purity of their former condition.
JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER SEVEN
[Daniel 7:1] "In the first year of Belshazzar, King of Babylon, Daniel beheld a dream. And a vision of his head upon his bed. And when he wrote the dream down, he comprehended it in a few words and gave a brief summary of it, saying..." This section which we now undertake to explain, and also the subsequent section which we are going to discuss, is historically prior to the two previous sections. For this present section and that which follows it are recorded to have taken place in the first and third years of the reign of King Belshazzar (Jeremiah 39) [Jerome's citation of Jeremiah 39 seems quite pointless in this connection]. But the section which we read previously to the one just preceding this, is recorded to have taken place in the last year, indeed on the final day, of Belshaz-zar's reign. And we meet this phenomenon not only in Daniel but also in Jeremiah [cf. Jeremiah 35 and Jeremiah 34] and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 17), as we shall be able to show, if life spares us that long. But in the earlier portion of the book, the historical order has been followed, namely the events which occurred in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, and Belshazzar, and Darius or Cyrus. But in the passages now before us an account is given of various visions which were beheld on particular occasions and of which only the prophet himself was aware, and which therefore lacked any importance as signs or revelations so far as the barbarian nations were concerned. But they were written down only that a record of the things beheld might be preserved for posterity.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 7 and following) And another great eagle appeared, with large wings and many feathers. And behold, this vineyard sent out its roots toward it, extending its branches toward it, in order to be irrigated by the streams of its sap. It was planted in good soil, above abundant waters, in order to produce leaves and bear fruit, and to become a great vineyard. Say: Thus says the Lord God: Will it succeed? Will it not uproot its roots and squeeze its fruit, causing all its branches to wither and dry up, so that it will not be strong in a mighty arm or among many people, in order to uproot it completely? Behold, it is planted, so will it prosper? When the burning wind touches it, will it not wither and dry up, and its shoots wither in its own beds? LXX: And another great eagle was made, with many wings and many claws. And behold, this vineyard was entangled with it, and its roots were attached to it, and its branches extended to it, in order to irrigate it with the soil of its plantation. In a good field, it was fattened over much water, so that it would produce shoots and bring forth fruit, and be a great vineyard. Therefore say: Thus says the Lord God: If it shall be exalted? Shall not its roots be tender, and its fruit wither, and all the things that have sprung from it wither, and it be pulled up even from its roots? And behold, it is fattened. Shall it be exalted? Shall it not, when the burning wind touches it, wither, and dry up with aridity? When the soil of its germination withers, the second eagle, that is, the other, also great, full of feathers, with many talons, because of its rapaciousness and the devastation of many nations, the king of Egypt is Pharaoh. And behold, this vineyard signifies King Zedekiah, who had been appointed by Nebuchadnezzar in Jerusalem, began, he says, to send his branches to it, that is, to send ambassadors to the king of the Egyptians, and to ask for help from him against the king to whom he was subject. For this is what the Scripture says now, that he may water it with the streams of his planting. Which had been planted in good soil by Nebuchadnezzar, in order to produce leaves and bear fruit, and to grow into a wider vineyard: therefore the prophet is commanded to speak to the vine, which had been planted by Nebuchadnezzar, and had sent its branches to the Egyptian eagle: will it prosper because she has tried to do this, and will not all her branches and shoots wither immediately? And did he not, he says, flee to a great army and not to a numerous people? For, while fleeing, Zedekiah was deserted by the help of the king of Egypt, and he was captured by the generals of Nebuchadnezzar in the deserts of Jericho. And all his allies were scattered here and there, as it is written in the books of Kings, Chronicles, and Jeremiah.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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