Thus says the Lord GOD: “I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell. And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the green tree and made the dry tree flourish; I, the LORD, have spoken and have done it.” (vv.22-24)
In the previous chapter Ezekiel’s message was dealing with the spiritual and moral sickness of Israel. Now he is more concerned with her political folly. In today’s reading, Ezekiel gives an allegory or parable of two eagles and a seedling (vv. 1–10), followed by its interpretation (vv. 11–21). The first eagle was Nebuchadnezzar and the cedar tree represented the kingly line of David. Taking seeds from the top of the tree to a faraway land symbolized Jewish leaders, particularly King Jehoiachin, being taken to Babylon in exile.
Then another seed, King Zedekiah, became a vine which tried to rebel against Babylon by relying on an alliance with Egypt (the second eagle). The east wind blew and the vine withered, meaning that the Babylonian armies would crush the revolt. (This prophecy was given about three years before it was fulfilled, as recounted in 2 Kings 24:8–25:30.) By breaking a treaty made in God’s name and putting their trust in a human ally, Israel would once again prove that human wisdom is foolish and faithless. God expected Zedekiah to be loyal to the covenant he made to Nebuchadnezzar and would punish him for breaking the covenant. When Zedekiah broke his covenant with the king of Babylon, he also committed treason against Yahweh Himself.
Despite everything, a day would come when God Himself would restore the nation. His care and loving–kindness would ensure the growth of a new cedar tree. Birds would roost in its branches, suggesting that all the peoples of the earth will benefit (vv.22-24). Ezekiel was faithful to relay God’s message that He is governing, and there is no escape from Him.
Today, Yahweh remains sovereign over history. When his people experience calamity, His hand is in it. When foreign nations sweep down on them, they come as His agents. No nation has ever become so powerful that He cannot bring it down in a moment (which includes the US); and no people are so low that He cannot exalt them - for God is in control!
The Truth: "declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish My good pleasure." (Isaiah 46:10)
In the previous chapter Ezekiel’s message was dealing with the spiritual and moral sickness of Israel. Now he is more concerned with her political folly. In today’s reading, Ezekiel gives an allegory or parable of two eagles and a seedling (vv. 1–10), followed by its interpretation (vv. 11–21). The first eagle was Nebuchadnezzar and the cedar tree represented the kingly line of David. Taking seeds from the top of the tree to a faraway land symbolized Jewish leaders, particularly King Jehoiachin, being taken to Babylon in exile.
Then another seed, King Zedekiah, became a vine which tried to rebel against Babylon by relying on an alliance with Egypt (the second eagle). The east wind blew and the vine withered, meaning that the Babylonian armies would crush the revolt. (This prophecy was given about three years before it was fulfilled, as recounted in 2 Kings 24:8–25:30.) By breaking a treaty made in God’s name and putting their trust in a human ally, Israel would once again prove that human wisdom is foolish and faithless. God expected Zedekiah to be loyal to the covenant he made to Nebuchadnezzar and would punish him for breaking the covenant. When Zedekiah broke his covenant with the king of Babylon, he also committed treason against Yahweh Himself.
Despite everything, a day would come when God Himself would restore the nation. His care and loving–kindness would ensure the growth of a new cedar tree. Birds would roost in its branches, suggesting that all the peoples of the earth will benefit (vv.22-24). Ezekiel was faithful to relay God’s message that He is governing, and there is no escape from Him.
Today, Yahweh remains sovereign over history. When his people experience calamity, His hand is in it. When foreign nations sweep down on them, they come as His agents. No nation has ever become so powerful that He cannot bring it down in a moment (which includes the US); and no people are so low that He cannot exalt them - for God is in control!
The Truth: "declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish My good pleasure." (Isaiah 46:10)
