Ezekiel 17:9

KJV

Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H559} thou, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Shall it prosper {H6743}? shall he not pull up {H5423} the roots {H8328} thereof, and cut off {H7082} the fruit {H6529} thereof, that it wither {H3001}? it shall wither {H3001} in all the leaves {H2964} of her spring {H6780}, even without great {H1419} power {H2220} or many {H7227} people {H5971} to pluck it up {H5375} by the roots {H8328} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Say that Adonai ELOHIM asks: 'Will it succeed? Won't he pull it up by the roots and cut off its fruit; so that it dries up; and all its sprouting leaves wither? There will be no great power and few people there when it is plucked up by the roots.

Berean Standard Bible

So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Will it flourish? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels? All its foliage will wither! It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots.

American Standard Version

Say thou, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it may wither; that all its fresh springing leaves may wither? and not by a strong arm or much people can it be raised from the roots thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 17:9 is a rhetorical question from the Lord GOD, embedded within the allegorical parable of the two great eagles and the vine. It serves as a divine pronouncement of the inevitable and effortless judgment awaiting the kingdom of Judah, personified as a rebellious vine. This vine, having broken its solemn oath of loyalty to Babylon by seeking aid from Egypt, is declared incapable of prospering. Instead, it is destined for complete destruction, its roots pulled up, its fruit cut off, and its very leaves withered, signifying a swift and total collapse that requires no significant human or military might to accomplish.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the "parable of the two great eagles and the vine" found in [Ezekiel 17:1-10](/ezekiel/17-1 "Ezekiel 17:1-10 - The Parable of the Eagles and the Vine"). The first great eagle symbolizes King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who had besieged Jerusalem, removed King Jehoiachin (represented as a "topmost branch of the high cedar"), and established Zedekiah (a "seed of the land," planted as a "spreading vine") as a vassal king. Zedekiah was bound by a sacred oath of loyalty to Babylon. However, Zedekiah, instead of honoring his covenant, "bent her roots towards" a "second great eagle," Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt, seeking military assistance to rebel against Babylon. Ezekiel 17:9 is God's direct rhetorical question, emphasizing the utter futility and certain doom of this treacherous act. It directly precedes God's explicit judgment and explanation of the parable in [Ezekiel 17:11-21](/ezekiel/17-11 "Ezekiel 17:11-21 - Interpretation of the Parable").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile. After the first deportation in 597 BC, Nebuchadnezzar installed Zedekiah as king of Judah, making him swear a solemn oath of allegiance, often invoking the name of Yahweh. In the ancient Near East, such oaths were not mere political agreements but were considered sacred covenants, binding before the gods and carrying severe consequences for their violation. Judah, caught between the two dominant regional powers, Babylon and Egypt, repeatedly sought alliances with Egypt to escape Babylonian suzerainty, a strategy consistently condemned by prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah. This verse reflects the geopolitical reality where Judah's defiance of Babylon was simultaneously an act of rebellion against God's ordained authority and a breach of a sacred vow, setting the stage for Jerusalem's final destruction in 586 BC. The act of "pulling up roots" and "cutting off fruit" would have been immediately understood by an agrarian society as a metaphor for complete desolation and the end of a lineage or kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 17:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. Despite Judah's strategic maneuvers, God declares their plans futile, demonstrating that His will, not human alliances, determines outcomes. Secondly, the verse highlights the severe **Consequences of Covenant Breaking**. Zedekiah's violation of his oath to Babylon, implicitly an oath before God, is condemned as a grave offense, leading to the "pulling up of roots" and "cutting off of fruit," symbolizing the complete and utter destruction of the kingdom. This resonates with the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of vows, as seen in [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Sanctity of Vows"). Thirdly, it illustrates the **Futility of Human Alliances Apart from God's Will**. Judah's reliance on Egypt rather than trusting in God's established order reveals a recurring prophetic warning against seeking help from worldly powers when it means forsaking divine guidance, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Warning Against Trusting Egypt"). Finally, the phrase "even without great power or many people" emphasizes the **Effortless Divine Power** in executing judgment, signifying that God does not require vast armies or human might to accomplish His purposes; the vine's inherent weakness and its certain doom are a testament to His omnipotence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** From H6743, meaning "to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive); break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously)." In Ezekiel 17:9, the rhetorical question "Shall it prosper?" uses this verb to emphatically deny any possibility of success or thriving for the rebellious vine. It implies that the vine's actions are inherently self-destructive and will not yield any positive outcome.
* **wither (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** From H3001, a primitive root meaning "to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)." The repetition of this word in the verse ("that it wither? it shall wither") powerfully emphasizes the inevitable desiccation, decay, and complete ruin awaiting Judah. It signifies a loss of life, vitality, and productivity, leading to ultimate destruction.
* **power (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** From H2220, meaning "the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force; arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength." In the phrase "even without great power," this word highlights the divine ease with which the judgment will be executed. It signifies that God does not need a mighty human arm or military force to bring about the vine's downfall; its destruction is so certain and its vitality so diminished that it will collapse effortlessly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncement. Ezekiel is commanded to speak directly on behalf of Yahweh (H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_), the sovereign God (H136, _ʼĂdônây_), emphasizing that the following judgment is not a human prediction but a divine decree.
* **"Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither?":** This is the core rhetorical question, demanding a resounding "no." The "it" refers to the rebellious vine (Judah/Zedekiah). The imagery of "pull up the roots" (H8328, _sheresh_ - the very foundation) and "cut off the fruit" (H6529, _pᵉrîy_ - the produce/descendants/prosperity) vividly portrays total destruction, not just of the current generation but of the kingdom's very existence and future potential. The subsequent "that it wither" (H3001, _yâbêsh_) underscores the complete loss of life and vitality.
* **"it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.":** This final clause reiterates the inevitability and ease of the vine's demise. "In all the leaves of her spring" (H2964, _ṭereph_ - fresh leaf; H6780, _tsemach_ - sprout/springing) suggests that even at its most vibrant or hopeful stage, the vine will quickly decay. The crucial phrase "even without great power (H1419, _gâdôwl_ - great; H2220, _zᵉrôwaʻ_ - arm/power) or many people (H7227, _rab_ - many; H5971, _ʻam_ - people)" emphasizes God's omnipotence. The vine's destruction is so assured and its inherent strength so diminished that God does not require a vast army or a mighty human effort to accomplish it; it will simply "wither" on its own, or be plucked up with minimal effort.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 17:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The primary device is **Rhetorical Question**, particularly "Shall it prosper?", which is designed to elicit a definitive negative answer, underscoring the absolute certainty of the vine's failure. This verse is also part of a larger **Allegory** or **Parable**, where the "vine" represents the kingdom of Judah and its fate. The language is replete with **Metaphor** and **Imagery** drawn from the natural world, specifically agriculture. Phrases like "pull up the roots," "cut off the fruit," and "wither in all the leaves of her spring" are powerful metaphors for total destruction, signifying the eradication of the kingdom's foundation, its productivity, and its very existence. The **Repetition** of the verb "wither" (yâbêsh) serves as an emphatic device, reinforcing the inevitable desiccation and ruin. Furthermore, the phrase "even without great power or many people to pluck it up" employs **Understatement** or **Litotes** (a form of ironic understatement) to highlight God's overwhelming power. By stating that the task requires *no* great power, it paradoxically emphasizes the immense, effortless power of the divine agent behind the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 17:9 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that genuine prosperity and security are found not in human alliances or cunning strategies, but in faithful obedience to God and adherence to one's covenants. Judah's attempt to circumvent God's ordained path by breaking a sacred oath and seeking help from Egypt was an act of profound spiritual rebellion, directly challenging divine sovereignty. The Lord's rhetorical question exposes the futility of such efforts, revealing that any enterprise built on faithlessness is inherently doomed to "wither." This passage reminds us that God's justice is unwavering, and His power is absolute; He does not require human might to execute His judgments or fulfill His purposes. The "withering" signifies a spiritual decay that precedes physical ruin, a consequence of turning away from the source of life and truth.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-16](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-16 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 1:3-4](/psalm/1-3 "Psalm 1:3-4 - The Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 17:9, though rooted in ancient geopolitical turmoil, offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations upon which we build our lives, our hopes, and our security. Are we, like Judah, tempted to seek "strength" from worldly alliances, human strategies, or our own limited resources, rather than trusting in God's sovereign plan and provision? The "withering" of the vine serves as a stark warning against spiritual compromise and the breaking of our commitments, especially our covenant relationship with God. Our integrity in keeping vows, whether to God or to others, reflects our character and our reverence for divine truth. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's effortless power, reminding us that His purposes will prevail, often in ways that defy human expectation or require no human assistance. It encourages us to align our lives with His will, ensuring that our "roots" are firmly planted in Him, lest we, too, experience a spiritual "withering" when we stray from His life-giving presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to rely on human strength, worldly connections, or personal cunning instead of trusting fully in God's sovereignty and provision?**
* **How seriously do I take my commitments and vows, both to God and to others, recognizing that breaches of trust can have spiritual consequences?**
* **What "fruit" or areas of "spring" in my life might be at risk of "withering" if I am disobedient or unfaithful to God's calling?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary message of Ezekiel 17:9 concerning God's judgment?**

Answer: The primary message is that God's judgment upon those who rebel against His ordained order and break sacred covenants is absolutely certain, inevitable, and effortless from His perspective. The rhetorical question "Shall it prosper?" carries the emphatic answer "No," signifying that the rebellious vine (Judah) has sealed its own doom. The phrase "even without great power or many people to pluck it up" highlights God's omnipotence, demonstrating that He does not need a vast army or human might to execute His judgment; the vine's inherent weakness and spiritual decay ensure its swift and total collapse. It underscores that divine justice is not contingent on human strength but on God's unwavering will.

**How does the imagery of "pulling up roots" and "cutting off fruit" apply beyond the historical context?**

Answer: While rooted in the specific historical context of Judah's destruction, the imagery of "pulling up roots" and "cutting off fruit" carries profound spiritual and universal application. "Pulling up roots" signifies the eradication of a foundation, the complete removal of stability, identity, and the very source of life. For an individual or community today, this can represent the loss of spiritual grounding, purpose, or the divine blessings that sustain life when one turns away from God. "Cutting off fruit" symbolizes the cessation of productivity, blessings, and future hope. Spiritually, this can mean a loss of spiritual fruit (e.g., love, joy, peace as described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), the inability to bear witness, or the forfeiture of God's intended flourishing. Together, these images convey a total and devastating consequence for unfaithfulness, emphasizing that true life and prosperity come only from being deeply rooted in God and bearing the fruit of obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 17:9, with its stark portrayal of judgment upon a rebellious, withering vine, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")). This establishes Christ as the ultimate, faithful "vine" from whom all true spiritual life and prosperity flow. Unlike the rebellious vine of Judah, which sought strength in human alliances and faced inevitable "withering," Jesus perfectly embodies faithfulness to God's covenant, even unto death on the cross. The judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 17:9—the pulling up of roots and cutting off of fruit—finds its ultimate spiritual reality for those who reject Christ. Those who do not "abide in me," Jesus warns, "are thrown away like a branch and wither; and people gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned" ([John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - Abiding in the Vine")). This highlights that the "withering" is not merely a historical political collapse but a spiritual death for those outside the life-giving union with Christ. Conversely, for those "in Christ," the judgment of the unfaithful vine has been absorbed by the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His resurrection demonstrates God's ultimate power, not for destruction, but for new life, effortlessly overcoming sin and death. Thus, Ezekiel 17:9 foreshadows the divine judgment that awaits all who refuse to be rooted in God's ultimate plan of salvation through His Son, yet simultaneously points to Christ as the sole means by which humanity can escape such a "withering" and instead bear eternal fruit.

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

Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:

Isaiah 30:7

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still.

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:3

Now the Egyptians [are] men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.

Jeremiah 21:4

Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

Jeremiah 21:7

And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.