17:2 tell a riddle Indicates an enigmatic saying that requires explanation to be understood (see Judg 14:12–14). Learning to understand such sayings was considered a quality of gaining wisdom (see Prov 1:6).

quote a proverb A saying or story teaching a moral lesson (see note on Prov 1:1). Parables and proverbs make full use of metaphorical comparisons and figurative language. Ezekiel apparently has a reputation for using parables (see Ezek 20:49). Teaching through parables and riddles was characteristic of the ot sage. Ezekiel’s propensity for these wisdom genres reflects his status as priest, prophet, and sage.

17:3 eagle This bird can represent both swift strength and ominous destructive power (see Hab 1:8; Lam 4:19; Job 9:26). This first eagle stands for Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who campaigned in Judah in 598 bc and took King Jehoiachin into exile (see note on Ezek 1:2).

17:4 the top of its new plant shoot The cedar represents Judah, and the topmost twig (or branch or shoot) refers to King Jehoiachin, who was taken by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon.

17:5 the seed of the land The planting by Nebuchadnezzar alludes to his maneuver to reestablish the kingdom of Judah by installing Jehoiachin’s uncle Zedekiah as king. The coronation of Zedekiah restored Judah’s political status as a subservient state of Babylon. This status should have been enough to establish a peaceful and safe kingdom under Babylonian rule.

fertile soil Depicts Judah’s potential to become a flourishing society.

17:6 a vine spreading out, low of height Represents Judah (see Ezek 15:1–8 and note).

turning its branches to him Initially, Zedekiah was loyal to Nebuchadnezzar.

17:7 another great eagle The second eagle is less grand and powerful, but it is still formidable. This eagle likely represents Pharaoh Psammetichus II of Egypt. When Psammetichus came to power in 595 bc, several nations in Syria-Palestine (including Moab, Ammon, Edom, Tyre, and Sidon) saw an opportunity to rebel against Babylon (see Jer 27:1–11). In 591 bc, Psammetichus entered Palestine, challenging Babylonian power there.

This vine stretched out its roots toward him Zedekiah was caught between political factions in Jerusalem. One group advocated continued loyalty to Babylon; the other promoted rebellion and alliance with Egypt. Eventually, Zedekiah was convinced to rebel with the promise of Egyptian support.

17:9 Will he not tear out its roots, and will he not make its fruit scaly and it will wither and all of the freshness of its vegetation will dry up? The rhetorical question directs the audience’s attention to the dangerous circumstances. Once Judah has rebelled, there will be little to stop Nebuchadnezzar from destroying it.

to lift it from its roots Judah is relatively weak compared to Babylon, and the resistance will not cost Babylon much in manpower and resources.

17:10 will it not dry up completely? The dead and withered vine is the subject of Ezek 15:1–8.

17:12 the rebellious house One of Ezekiel’s favorite expressions for Judah (see note on 2:5).

you not know what these The prophet explains the parable in vv. 12–18.

17:13 the seed of the kingship Refers to Zedekiah; see v. 5 and note.

and he made with him a covenant The agreement between Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar is described as an oath and a covenant. Suzerain-vassal treaties in the ancient Near East were ratified by invoking the native deities of both parties as witnesses. Zedekiah’s rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar resulted in breaking an oath he had called on Yahweh to guarantee (see 2 Chr 36:13). This explains Yahweh’s role in bringing judgment against Zedekiah for rebelling against Babylon (see Ezek 17:19–20).

Covenants in the Old Testament Table

and he took the rulers of the land The new king had few experienced advisers since most of the leading men were deported along with Jehoiachin (see 2 Kgs 24:14–15).

17:15 he rebelled against him by sending his messengers A century earlier, Judah was similarly criticized for seeking political alliance with Egypt for help against Assyria instead of relying on Yahweh (see Isa 30:1–7).

horses and a large army The same type of help Judah needed against Assyria (see Isa 31:1).

17:16 in the midst of Babylon he will die The Babylonians ultimately killed Zedekiah’s sons in front of him, blinded him, and took him into captivity (2 Kgs 25:7). Jeremiah and Ezekiel both prophesy that he will die in captivity in Babylon (Jer 34:2–5; compare Ezek 12:13).

17:17 siege works Zedekiah can expect no help from Egypt when it really counts. The Babylonian siege was briefly interrupted by an advance by the Egyptian army, perhaps in response to a plea for help from Zedekiah (see Jer 37:5). On siege warfare, see note on Ezek 4:2.

17:19 my oath that he despised See note on v. 13.

17:21 they will be scattered Scattering is the punishment for those who escaped all the other tribulations (see note on 7:16; and note on 11:16).

17:22 from the treetop of the high Symbolizes a new beginning and Yahweh’s plan to restore His people. The imagery brings the elements of the parable into an oracle of hope and future salvation.

a tender one From the cedar symbolizing Judah comes the tender topmost twig (or shoot or branch) symbolizing the Messiah. Compare Isa 11:1.

a high and lofty mountain Zion, Yahweh’s holy mountain. See Psa 2:6 and Isa 2:2.

17:24 I will bring low a high tree Compare Isa 2:6–22, which also emphasizes Yahweh’s humbling of the proud.