Ezekiel 17:1-24

EZEKIEL—NOTE ON Ezekiel 17:1 If ch. Ezekiel 16:1 can be said to express a theological point of view, ch. Ezekiel 17:1 seems to be more political in nature. It is a sort of “fable,” a story form in which plants and animals are used to teach a lesson (e.g., Judges 9:8). Here two eagles, a cedar tree, and a vine are the main actors, and the story centers on the fortunes of the vine (compare Isaiah 5:1; Ezekiel 19:10). The story illustrates Judah’s political fortunes, and ultimately its future under God. The fable is told in Ezekiel 17:1 and then is explained, first on the natural plane (vv. Ezekiel 17:11) and then in theological terms (vv. Ezekiel 17:19). Finally the fable resumes, describing an ideal future (vv. Ezekiel 17:22).