Ezekiel · Chapter 17

V. 2. A riddle-A dark saying. The house of Israel-The remainders of the house of Israel, whether of the ten, or of the two tribes.

Verse 2. Son of man, put forth a riddle] Riddle, [Anglo-Saxon] or [A.S.], Anglo-Saxon, from [A.S.] to divine; a thing that must be curiously investigated and sifted, to find out the meaning; and hence, riddle, a sort of coarse sieve to clean corn, to separate coarse chaff and straws from the pure grain. An instrument formerly used for divination. This is not far removed from the Hebrew hdyj chidah, from dj chad, to penetrate; not that which penetrates the mind, but which we must penetrate to find out the sense.

Verse 2. Son of man, put forth a riddle — A continued metaphor or figurative speech: an allegory. The prophets frequently delivered their instructions in this way, as being well calculated both to engage the attention of their hearers or readers, and to make a deep and lasting impression on their minds. It was a mode of teaching peculiarly adapted to the eastern people, and therefore often adopted by their instructers, whether inspired or uninspired. It is well known that our Lord frequently used it in preaching his gospel.

Verse 2, 3. Put forth a riddle. A parable, or ingenious allegory, that the acumen of the composition may attract attention from the rulers of Judah. This parable is likewise ingeniously explained by sacred criticism. The eagle is the king of Babylon, who is so called, because he was master of other kings, as much as the eagle is king of birds. His greatness marks the extent of his dominions; and the length of his wings, the rapidity of his conquests. Full of feathers, in opposition to eagles that made themselves bald, Mic. 1:16; and which indicates the riches, the armies and resources of the empire. The variety of colour in his plumage, marks the gradation of honour, glory and majesty which distinguished his dominion. He came to Lebanon, that is, to Jerusalem, and took the highest branch of the cedar. He took Jeconiah, heir apparent to the throne of Judah, and the princes, the artists, and the guards, and carried them to the Euphrates, and the Chebar. 2 Kings 24:14. And being thus placed in cities of labour and trade, these artists were compelled to serve the king of Babylon, and his haughty lords. But here the good hand of the Lord encreased their number, and made them prosper, as the jews also prospered under Zedekiah while in alliance with the Babylonians.

2. A riddle… a parable — It was a riddle because it was couched in dark language; it was a parable because of the comparison drawn between the material and the spiritual.

V. 3. A great eagle-Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is compared to a great eagle, the king of birds, swift, strong, rapacious. Great wings-Mighty provinces on each side of his kingdom. Long winged-His kingdom was widely extended. Full of feathers-And full of people. Divers colours-Who were of divert nations, languages and manners. Lebanon-Jerusalem the chief city of the country where this great, fruitful and pleasant hill was. And took-Took, captive and carried away with him the king of Judah, Jehoiachin. The cedar-The nation.

Verse 3. A great eagle] Nebuchadnezzar. See Jeremiah 48:40; 49:22; Daniel 7:4. And see here, Ezekiel 17:12, where it is so applied. Great wings] Extensive empire.

Long-winged] Rapid in his conquests.

Full of feathers] Having multitudes of subjects.

Divers colours] People of various nations.

Came unto Lebanon] Came against Judea.

The highest branch] King Jehoiachin he took captive to Babylon. The cedar] The Jewish state and king.

Verses 3-6. A great eagle with great wings — The eagle is the king of birds, swift, strong, and rapacious. And this great eagle, according to all interpreters, represents Nebuchadnezzar. Its “greatness, long wings, beautiful, abundant, and well-coloured plumage, denote the force and greatness of his empire, the rapidity of his conquests, and the number of his subjects. The Scripture has in other places described this prince under the figure of an eagle. See Jeremiah 48:40, 49; Daniel 7:4. By his coming to Lebanon, and taking the highest branch of the cedar, is meant his invasion of Judea, his investing the city of Jerusalem, and taking King Jehoiachin and the princes captive.” — Calmet. He cropped off the top of his young twigs — Both the king of Judah, now eighteen years old, and the nobles and chief of the land. And carried it into a land of traffic — “Babylon, and the country about it, being the seat of a universal monarchy, must needs have been a place of great trade. Strabo takes notice that the merchants who travelled by land to Babylon went through the country of the Abrabians, called Scenitæ, lib. 16. p. 747; and vessels of great burden came up the river Euphrates to the walls of it from the Persian gulf.” See Pliny’s Nat. Hist., 50. 6. c. 26; and Lowth. He took also of the seed of the land — Of the king’s seed, as it is explained verse 13: that is, Zedekiah, whom the king of Babylon made king of Judah instead of Jehoiachin; first exacting an oath of him, that he would be true to him, and pay him tribute. And he planted it in a fruitful field — Hebrew, [rz tdcb, in a field of seed, that is, proper for seed: he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow-tree — Judea was a fruitful country and well watered, (see Deuteronomy 8:7,) where Zedekiah flourished as a willow-tree, that thrives best in moist ground, Isaiah 44:4. And it became a spreading vine of low stature, &c. — Though Zedekiah flourished, yet he enjoyed but a tributary kingdom under the king of Babylon, and acknowledged him as his lord and sovereign: see verse 14.

Verse 2, 3. Put forth a riddle. A parable, or ingenious allegory, that the acumen of the composition may attract attention from the rulers of Judah. This parable is likewise ingeniously explained by sacred criticism. The eagle is the king of Babylon, who is so called, because he was master of other kings, as much as the eagle is king of birds. His greatness marks the extent of his dominions; and the length of his wings, the rapidity of his conquests. Full of feathers, in opposition to eagles that made themselves bald, Mic. 1:16; and which indicates the riches, the armies and resources of the empire. The variety of colour in his plumage, marks the gradation of honour, glory and majesty which distinguished his dominion. He came to Lebanon, that is, to Jerusalem, and took the highest branch of the cedar. He took Jeconiah, heir apparent to the throne of Judah, and the princes, the artists, and the guards, and carried them to the Euphrates, and the Chebar. 2 Kings 24:14. And being thus placed in cities of labour and trade, these artists were compelled to serve the king of Babylon, and his haughty lords. But here the good hand of the Lord encreased their number, and made them prosper, as the jews also prospered under Zedekiah while in alliance with the Babylonians.

3. A great eagle with great wings — This well described Nebuchadnezzar, swift, strong, and rapacious, whose mighty provinces were widespread (long-winged) and full of people (feathers), composed of all manner of nations, languages and manners (diverse colors). — Wesley. The figure of the eagle as applied to conquerors was a common one and had also been used by Jeremiah of Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 48:40; 49:22). The highest branch of the cedar — The cedar was the royal tree of Palestine, as Lebanon was its most royal mountain. The highest branch of the cedar was the king Jehoiachin and the “top of his young twigs” (verse 4) symbolized the princes of the royal house (verses 12, 22).

V. 4. The top-Both the king of Judah, now eighteen years old, and the nobles and chief of the land. Into a land-Babylon, which was a city of mighty trade.

Verse 4. The top of his young twigs] The princes of Judah. A land of traffic] Chaldea.

A city of merchants] Babylon; for which this city was the most celebrated of all the cities of the east. Its situation procured it innumerable advantages; its two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, and the Persian Gulf, gave it communication with the richest and the most distant nations.

Verses 3-6. A great eagle with great wings — The eagle is the king of birds, swift, strong, and rapacious. And this great eagle, according to all interpreters, represents Nebuchadnezzar. Its “greatness, long wings, beautiful, abundant, and well-coloured plumage, denote the force and greatness of his empire, the rapidity of his conquests, and the number of his subjects. The Scripture has in other places described this prince under the figure of an eagle. See Jeremiah 48:40, 49; Daniel 7:4. By his coming to Lebanon, and taking the highest branch of the cedar, is meant his invasion of Judea, his investing the city of Jerusalem, and taking King Jehoiachin and the princes captive.” — Calmet. He cropped off the top of his young twigs — Both the king of Judah, now eighteen years old, and the nobles and chief of the land. And carried it into a land of traffic — “Babylon, and the country about it, being the seat of a universal monarchy, must needs have been a place of great trade. Strabo takes notice that the merchants who travelled by land to Babylon went through the country of the Abrabians, called Scenitæ, lib. 16. p. 747; and vessels of great burden came up the river Euphrates to the walls of it from the Persian gulf.” See Pliny’s Nat. Hist., 50. 6. c. 26; and Lowth. He took also of the seed of the land — Of the king’s seed, as it is explained verse 13: that is, Zedekiah, whom the king of Babylon made king of Judah instead of Jehoiachin; first exacting an oath of him, that he would be true to him, and pay him tribute. And he planted it in a fruitful field — Hebrew, [rz tdcb, in a field of seed, that is, proper for seed: he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow-tree — Judea was a fruitful country and well watered, (see Deuteronomy 8:7,) where Zedekiah flourished as a willow-tree, that thrives best in moist ground, Isaiah 44:4. And it became a spreading vine of low stature, &c. — Though Zedekiah flourished, yet he enjoyed but a tributary kingdom under the king of Babylon, and acknowledged him as his lord and sovereign: see verse 14.

4. Land of traffic — Compare Ezekiel 16:29, where Chaldea is called “the merchants’ land.” Modern discoveries in Babylon have emphasized the appropriateness of the title, for literally tons of clay tablets have been digged up containing bills and deeds and business contracts of all sorts.

V. 5. The seed-Mattaniah, whom he called Zedekiah. Planted-Settled him on the throne of Judah. As a willow-The prophet compares this new made king to a willow, which grows no where so well as near great waters.

Verse 5. The seed of the land] Zedekiah, brother of Jehoiachin. Planted it in a fruitful field] Made him king of Judea in place of his brother.

Placed it by great waters] Put him under the protection of Babylon, situated on the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates. And set it as a willow tree] Made him dependent on this city of great waters, as the willow is on humidity.

Verses 3-6. A great eagle with great wings — The eagle is the king of birds, swift, strong, and rapacious. And this great eagle, according to all interpreters, represents Nebuchadnezzar. Its “greatness, long wings, beautiful, abundant, and well-coloured plumage, denote the force and greatness of his empire, the rapidity of his conquests, and the number of his subjects. The Scripture has in other places described this prince under the figure of an eagle. See Jeremiah 48:40, 49; Daniel 7:4. By his coming to Lebanon, and taking the highest branch of the cedar, is meant his invasion of Judea, his investing the city of Jerusalem, and taking King Jehoiachin and the princes captive.” — Calmet. He cropped off the top of his young twigs — Both the king of Judah, now eighteen years old, and the nobles and chief of the land. And carried it into a land of traffic — “Babylon, and the country about it, being the seat of a universal monarchy, must needs have been a place of great trade. Strabo takes notice that the merchants who travelled by land to Babylon went through the country of the Abrabians, called Scenitæ, lib. 16. p. 747; and vessels of great burden came up the river Euphrates to the walls of it from the Persian gulf.” See Pliny’s Nat. Hist., 50. 6. c. 26; and Lowth. He took also of the seed of the land — Of the king’s seed, as it is explained verse 13: that is, Zedekiah, whom the king of Babylon made king of Judah instead of Jehoiachin; first exacting an oath of him, that he would be true to him, and pay him tribute. And he planted it in a fruitful field — Hebrew, [rz tdcb, in a field of seed, that is, proper for seed: he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow-tree — Judea was a fruitful country and well watered, (see Deuteronomy 8:7,) where Zedekiah flourished as a willow-tree, that thrives best in moist ground, Isaiah 44:4. And it became a spreading vine of low stature, &c. — Though Zedekiah flourished, yet he enjoyed but a tributary kingdom under the king of Babylon, and acknowledged him as his lord and sovereign: see verse 14.

5. He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it — It was Nebuchadnezzar who placed Zedekiah upon the throne (2 Chronicles 36:10; 2 Kings 24:17; Jeremiah 35:11). The “fruitful field” and “great waters” indicate the beauty and comfort of his Palestinian kingdom (Deuteronomy 8:7-9; 11:10-12), while the “as a willow” represents the possibility of its rapid and luxuriant development (Isaiah 44:4). The cedar sprout was not, as so many expositors seem to think, transformed into a willow tree or grapevine, but it was set close to great waters, as is a willow tree, and took the form of a vine rather than a tree.

V. 6. Of low stature-They grew and flourish, while they owned their state tributary to Babylon. Toward him-Nebuchadnezzar as their protector, and sovereign lord. The roots-All the firmness, fruitfulness, and life of this state, was in subjection to him.

Verse 6. A spreading vine of low stature] The Jewish state having then no height of dominion, it must abide under the wings or branches of the Chaldean king.

Whose branches turned toward him, and the roots—under him] Zedekiah was wholly dependent on Nebuchadnezzar, both for his elevation to the throne, and his support on it.

Verses 3-6. A great eagle with great wings — The eagle is the king of birds, swift, strong, and rapacious. And this great eagle, according to all interpreters, represents Nebuchadnezzar. Its “greatness, long wings, beautiful, abundant, and well-coloured plumage, denote the force and greatness of his empire, the rapidity of his conquests, and the number of his subjects. The Scripture has in other places described this prince under the figure of an eagle. See Jeremiah 48:40, 49; Daniel 7:4. By his coming to Lebanon, and taking the highest branch of the cedar, is meant his invasion of Judea, his investing the city of Jerusalem, and taking King Jehoiachin and the princes captive.” — Calmet. He cropped off the top of his young twigs — Both the king of Judah, now eighteen years old, and the nobles and chief of the land. And carried it into a land of traffic — “Babylon, and the country about it, being the seat of a universal monarchy, must needs have been a place of great trade. Strabo takes notice that the merchants who travelled by land to Babylon went through the country of the Abrabians, called Scenitæ, lib. 16. p. 747; and vessels of great burden came up the river Euphrates to the walls of it from the Persian gulf.” See Pliny’s Nat. Hist., 50. 6. c. 26; and Lowth. He took also of the seed of the land — Of the king’s seed, as it is explained verse 13: that is, Zedekiah, whom the king of Babylon made king of Judah instead of Jehoiachin; first exacting an oath of him, that he would be true to him, and pay him tribute. And he planted it in a fruitful field — Hebrew, [rz tdcb, in a field of seed, that is, proper for seed: he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow-tree — Judea was a fruitful country and well watered, (see Deuteronomy 8:7,) where Zedekiah flourished as a willow-tree, that thrives best in moist ground, Isaiah 44:4. And it became a spreading vine of low stature, &c. — Though Zedekiah flourished, yet he enjoyed but a tributary kingdom under the king of Babylon, and acknowledged him as his lord and sovereign: see verse 14.

6. Vine of low stature — The Hebrew tree grew luxuriantly, but was, after all, more like a vine than like its ancestral cedar, for “its branches turned again to itself and its roots remained under it.” — Kautzsch.

V. 7. Another-The king of Egypt. This vine-Zedekiah, his nobles and people. Did bend-Sought his friendship. Shot forth-Sent ambassadors, and trusted to the power of Egypt. Water it-That they might add to their greatness, as trees grow by seasonable watering them. By the furrows-Alluding to the manner of watering used in Egypt, by furrows or trenches to convey the water from the river Nile.

Verse 7. Another great eagle] Pharaoh-hophra, or Apries, king of Egypt. With great wings] Extensive dominion.

And many feathers] Numerous subjects.

Did bend her roots] Looked to him for support in her intended rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar.

Verses 7, 8. There was also another great eagle — Namely, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, with whom Zedekiah made an alliance; whereupon that king sent an army to raise the siege of Jerusalem, 2 Chronicles 36:13; Jeremiah 37:5, 7. With great wings and many feathers — Having a great army and many people to support him. And this vine (namely, Zedekiah) did bend her roots toward him, &c. — Zedekiah sought the assistance and protection of the king of Egypt. Dr. Waterland renders this clause, And shot forth her branches under him, from the furrows where she was planted, that he might water it: that is, give it assistance. The auxiliary forces which Zedekiah expected from Egypt are here intended. It was planted in a good soil, &c. — The words are to the same purpose with verse 5, to show that Zedekiah’s condition was so good under the king of Babylon, that he needed not to have broken his oath out of a desire to better it, whereby he involved himself and his country in ruin: see notes on 2 Kings 24:20; and Jeremiah 17:25.

Ver. 7. There was also another great eagle. Apries, or as Origen reads, Vaphres, king of Egypt. He had many feathers, but was not full of feathers, as the king of Babylon. And Judah, a vine, not able to bear the weight of an eagle, did bend to him, as her ally and protection, though formerly the Almighty was her shield and defence. The vine did bend towards him to water its roots, as the Egyptians watered their corn fields from the Nile by machines which threw a small stream along the furrows of the wheat.

7. Another great eagle — The king of Egypt. This vine did bend her roots toward him — Zedekiah began to look for nourishment to Egypt, although he had received his crown from Babylon (verses 5, 8, 13, 15). The figure is that this vinelike cedar, instead of striking its roots deep into its own native soil, where the Babylonian eagle had planted it, threw out its roots toward the Nile. By the furrows — R.V., “from the beds;” or as Cornill, “more than the beds in which it was planted.”

V. 8. Was planted-By Nebuchadnezzar, in a very hopeful condition, where it might have been fruitful, and flourished.

Verse 8. It was planted in a good soil] Though he depended on Babylon, he lived and reigned as Nebuchadnezzar’s vicegerent in the land of Judea.

Verses 7, 8. There was also another great eagle — Namely, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, with whom Zedekiah made an alliance; whereupon that king sent an army to raise the siege of Jerusalem, 2 Chronicles 36:13; Jeremiah 37:5, 7. With great wings and many feathers — Having a great army and many people to support him. And this vine (namely, Zedekiah) did bend her roots toward him, &c. — Zedekiah sought the assistance and protection of the king of Egypt. Dr. Waterland renders this clause, And shot forth her branches under him, from the furrows where she was planted, that he might water it: that is, give it assistance. The auxiliary forces which Zedekiah expected from Egypt are here intended. It was planted in a good soil, &c. — The words are to the same purpose with verse 5, to show that Zedekiah’s condition was so good under the king of Babylon, that he needed not to have broken his oath out of a desire to better it, whereby he involved himself and his country in ruin: see notes on 2 Kings 24:20; and Jeremiah 17:25.

V. 9. Say-Tell them what will be the issue of all this, and tell it to them in my name. It prosper-Shall Zedekiah and his people thrive by this? Pull up-Utterly overthrow this kingdom. Cut Off-Put to the sword the children of Zedekiah, and of the nobles. The leaves-All the promising hope they had shall vanish. Without great power-The king of Babylon shall do this easily, when it is God that sends him. For God needs not great power and many people, to effect his purposes. He can without any difficulty overturn a sinful king and kingdom, and make no more of it than we do of rooting up a tree that cumbers the ground.

Verse 9. Shall it prosper?] Shall Zedekiah succeed in casting off the yoke of the king of Babylon, to whom he had sworn fealty? Shall he not pull up the roots] Nebuchadnezzar will come and dethrone him.

And cut off the fruit] The children of Zedekiah. The leaves] All the nobles; all shall perish with Zedekiah.

Verses 9, 10. Say — Tell them what shall be the issue of all this, and tell it to them in my name. Shall it prosper? — Can it be that such breach of faith and such ingratitude should prosper? No, it cannot be: God will never suffer it. Zedekiah, besides the obligation of an oath, was bound to the king of Babylon by the ties of gratitude, as he owed all he possessed to him. Shall he not pull up the roots thereof? — Shall not Nebuchadnezzar, in return for this perfidiousness, destroy him and his kingdom? see 2 Kings 25:7. And cut off the fruit thereof — Put his children and those of his nobles to the sword? It shall wither in all the leaves of her spring — It shall wholly wither: not only the old branch shall wither, but its young shoots also: and all the promising hopes they had shall vanish: even without great power or many people — God shall be on the side of the Chaldeans, and he does not need great power or many people to effect his purpose. He can as easily overturn a sinful king and kingdom as a man can root up a tree that cumbers the ground. The king of Babylon, therefore, God being with him, shall easily subdue the land of Judah, and shall not need a large human force to assist him. Yea, shall it not utterly wither when the east wind toucheth it? — Here the prophet compares the Chaldean army, which should come against Judea, to a parching wind that blasts the fruits of the earth, withers the leaves of the trees, and makes every thing look naked and bare.

Ver. 9. It shall wither in all its leaves, and branches, as in ver. 8. This foretels how Zedekiah’s sons should be slain before their father’s eyes, as in Jeremiah 39:6.

9. Shall it prosper — Such ingratitude and perjury (verse 13) will bring upon it not only the loss of its fruit, but of its life. It shall be plucked up by the roots. It shall wither, etc. — Rather, all her fresh springing leaves shall wither; neither with great power and many people shall any be able to lift it up again out of the roots thereof. — Hitzig, Keil.

V. 10. Yea-Suppose this vine were planted by the help of Egypt. The east wind-When the king of Babylon, who like the blasting wind comes from the north-east, shall but touch it, it shall wither. In the furrows-Even amidst its greatest helps, to make it flourish.

Verse 10. Shall—utterly whither] The regal government shall be no more restored. Zedekiah shall be the last king, and the monarchy shall finally terminate with him.

Verses 9, 10. Say — Tell them what shall be the issue of all this, and tell it to them in my name. Shall it prosper? — Can it be that such breach of faith and such ingratitude should prosper? No, it cannot be: God will never suffer it. Zedekiah, besides the obligation of an oath, was bound to the king of Babylon by the ties of gratitude, as he owed all he possessed to him. Shall he not pull up the roots thereof? — Shall not Nebuchadnezzar, in return for this perfidiousness, destroy him and his kingdom? see 2 Kings 25:7. And cut off the fruit thereof — Put his children and those of his nobles to the sword? It shall wither in all the leaves of her spring — It shall wholly wither: not only the old branch shall wither, but its young shoots also: and all the promising hopes they had shall vanish: even without great power or many people — God shall be on the side of the Chaldeans, and he does not need great power or many people to effect his purpose. He can as easily overturn a sinful king and kingdom as a man can root up a tree that cumbers the ground. The king of Babylon, therefore, God being with him, shall easily subdue the land of Judah, and shall not need a large human force to assist him. Yea, shall it not utterly wither when the east wind toucheth it? — Here the prophet compares the Chaldean army, which should come against Judea, to a parching wind that blasts the fruits of the earth, withers the leaves of the trees, and makes every thing look naked and bare.

10. When the east wind toucheth it — After having been pulled up it shall not take root again, but shall wither where it falls (xix, 12). “Its destruction shall come from the quarter where it derived its origin.” — Skinner.

THE RIDDLE EXPLAINED, 11-24.

Verse 12. Know ye not what these things mean?] They are explained in this and the following verses.

Verses 12-14. Say now to the rebellious house — To the house of Judah, which have been and still are rebellious against me, and are now entering into a rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar. This is God’s order to his prophet to explain the riddle. Know ye not what these things mean? — Will you not apply your minds to understand what God speaks to you? And that whether he directs his speech to you in plain words, or delivers his mind in riddles and parables? Behold, the king of Babylon is come — Or rather, did come, or came to Jerusalem — Namely, some time before the delivery of this prophecy: and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof — Namely, Jeconiah and all his princes and officers: see 2 Kings 24:12. And hath led them with him to Babylon — Judging them unfit to be trusted any more with any office or power in their own country. And hath taken of the king’s seed — Hath taken from among the royal seed Mattaniah, Jehoiakim’s brother, and advanced him to the throne in Jerusalem, 2 Kings 24:17; and made a covenant with him — A solemn agreement, on terms acceded to and approved by Mattaniah; and hath taken an oath of him — An oath of fealty: when Nebuchadnezzar caused Mattaniah to enter into this covenant and oath, he changed his name to Zedekiah, which word signifies, the justice of God, to express that God would avenge the crime of this restored captive, if he should break the covenant into which he had entered, and perjure himself: see note on 2 Kings 24:17. He hath also taken the mighty of the land — Namely, as hostages for Zedekiah’s performance of the covenant agreed on. That the kingdom might be base — Or rather, humble; that it might be kept in subjection and obedience. Zedekiah being made only a tributary king, consequently was not in as honourable a condition as his predecessors had been in; but yet the keeping of his covenant was the only means, under present circumstances, to support himself and his government.

12. Is come — Literally, came. Hath taken — Literally, took (also verse 13).

Verses 12-14. Say now to the rebellious house — To the house of Judah, which have been and still are rebellious against me, and are now entering into a rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar. This is God’s order to his prophet to explain the riddle. Know ye not what these things mean? — Will you not apply your minds to understand what God speaks to you? And that whether he directs his speech to you in plain words, or delivers his mind in riddles and parables? Behold, the king of Babylon is come — Or rather, did come, or came to Jerusalem — Namely, some time before the delivery of this prophecy: and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof — Namely, Jeconiah and all his princes and officers: see 2 Kings 24:12. And hath led them with him to Babylon — Judging them unfit to be trusted any more with any office or power in their own country. And hath taken of the king’s seed — Hath taken from among the royal seed Mattaniah, Jehoiakim’s brother, and advanced him to the throne in Jerusalem, 2 Kings 24:17; and made a covenant with him — A solemn agreement, on terms acceded to and approved by Mattaniah; and hath taken an oath of him — An oath of fealty: when Nebuchadnezzar caused Mattaniah to enter into this covenant and oath, he changed his name to Zedekiah, which word signifies, the justice of God, to express that God would avenge the crime of this restored captive, if he should break the covenant into which he had entered, and perjure himself: see note on 2 Kings 24:17. He hath also taken the mighty of the land — Namely, as hostages for Zedekiah’s performance of the covenant agreed on. That the kingdom might be base — Or rather, humble; that it might be kept in subjection and obedience. Zedekiah being made only a tributary king, consequently was not in as honourable a condition as his predecessors had been in; but yet the keeping of his covenant was the only means, under present circumstances, to support himself and his government.

13. Hath also — Literally, took also. Taken an oath — See 2 Chronicles 36:18. King’s seed,… the mighty of the lands — 2 Kings 24:11, etc.; Jeremiah 24:1, 2.

Verse 14. That the kingdom might be base] Have no political consequence, and at last sink into a miserable government under Gedaliah.

Verses 12-14. Say now to the rebellious house — To the house of Judah, which have been and still are rebellious against me, and are now entering into a rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar. This is God’s order to his prophet to explain the riddle. Know ye not what these things mean? — Will you not apply your minds to understand what God speaks to you? And that whether he directs his speech to you in plain words, or delivers his mind in riddles and parables? Behold, the king of Babylon is come — Or rather, did come, or came to Jerusalem — Namely, some time before the delivery of this prophecy: and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof — Namely, Jeconiah and all his princes and officers: see 2 Kings 24:12. And hath led them with him to Babylon — Judging them unfit to be trusted any more with any office or power in their own country. And hath taken of the king’s seed — Hath taken from among the royal seed Mattaniah, Jehoiakim’s brother, and advanced him to the throne in Jerusalem, 2 Kings 24:17; and made a covenant with him — A solemn agreement, on terms acceded to and approved by Mattaniah; and hath taken an oath of him — An oath of fealty: when Nebuchadnezzar caused Mattaniah to enter into this covenant and oath, he changed his name to Zedekiah, which word signifies, the justice of God, to express that God would avenge the crime of this restored captive, if he should break the covenant into which he had entered, and perjure himself: see note on 2 Kings 24:17. He hath also taken the mighty of the land — Namely, as hostages for Zedekiah’s performance of the covenant agreed on. That the kingdom might be base — Or rather, humble; that it might be kept in subjection and obedience. Zedekiah being made only a tributary king, consequently was not in as honourable a condition as his predecessors had been in; but yet the keeping of his covenant was the only means, under present circumstances, to support himself and his government.

14. Might be base — Humble, and without pretension. (Compare 1 Chronicles 29:14.) It was with this purpose that Nebuchadnezzar carried away the mighty of the land. — Davidson. The Babylonian king wanted to keep this little kingdom which was so near to Egypt wholly dependent upon himself, but was prepared if it kept its covenant with him to protect it from harm that it might continue to stand as one of the “powers.”

V. 15. He-Zedekiah. Shall he break-Can perjury be the way for deliverance?

Verse 15. Sending his ambassadors into Egypt] Zedekiah must have sent his ambassadors into Egypt, between the sixth month of his sixth year, and the fifth month of his seventh year. Compare Ezekiel 8:1, with Ezekiel 20:1.—See Newcome.

Verse 15. But he rebelled in sending into Egypt, that they might give him horses — Egypt was a country abounding in horses, of which there was great scarcity in Judea. This was not only a violation of his oath and covenant, but likewise a breach of that part of the Jewish law which forbade their king to fetch horses out of Egypt, or strengthen himself with the alliance of that nation. Shall he escape that doeth such things? — Shall not the divine vengeance overtake such ingratitude and perfidy? Shall he break the covenant and be delivered? — Can perjury and covenant-breaking be the way to any man’s deliverance? Can such notorious sinning end in any thing but misery? From what is said on this occasion we learn, that an oath ought not to be violated though it was taken under unfavourable circumstances, and though the things to which a man bound himself by it were very disagreeable to him.

15. He rebelled against him — See the account in 2 Kings 24. The Egyptian king was Pharaoh Hophra (Jeremiah 44:30; 37:5.) Egypt (Hebrews, Mitzraim). The Tel-el-Amarna tablets show that 1400 B.C. Egypt was called Misri (Assyr., Musri). It is now known that the Babylonians in later times changed the form and why they did so (Zeilschrift fur Assyria, 4:268). The Bible word is derived from the most ancient form. The chief military strength of Egypt lay in its cavalry and chariot force (Exodus 14:7; 1 Kings 10:28; Isaiah 31:1). The monuments and papyri abundantly sustain this proposition.

Verse 16. In the midst of Babylon he shall die.] His eyes were put out; he was carried to Babylon, and never returned.

Verses 16-21. As I live, saith the Lord, &c. — This intimates how highly God resented the crime, and how sure and severe the punishment of it would be. He swears in his wrath, as he did, Psalm 95:11. Observe, reader, as God’s promises are confirmed with an oath, for comfort to the saints, so are his threatenings, for terror to the wicked. Surely in the place where the king dwelleth — In Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar dwells, who made him king, when he might have as easily made him a prisoner. Whose oath he despised — Made light of, and perfidiously violated. Even with him he shall die — Shall be a prisoner in Babylon the rest of his days, and shall die there. Neither shall Pharaoh make for him — See Jeremiah 37:7. But the Hebrew, hmjlmb wtwa hc[y, may be properly rendered, as indeed it is by Bishop Newcome, Pharaoh shall not deal with him, namely, with Nebuchadnezzar, in war: or, shall not make war with him. Accordingly the Vulgate translates the clause, “Et non in exercitu grandi, neque in populo multo faciet contra eum Pharaoh prælium:” neither with a great army, nor with much people, shall Pharaoh fight a battle against him. By casting up, &c. — Or rather, When he hath cast up mounts, &c., that is, when Nebuchadnezzar has raised mounts and builded forts to annoy Jerusalem, and destroy its inhabitants, Pharaoh shall not bring any assistance to it. Seeing he despised, &c., when lo, he had given his hand — In token of entering into a mutual league and covenant. It was a ceremony used especially when an inferior made profession of his subjection to a superior. My covenant that he hath broken — God calls it his covenant, because it was entered into, or promised to be observed, by taking an oath in his name. Even it will I recompense upon his own head — I will punish it as it deserves, and it shall appear by the punishment that my hand doth execute it. And I will spread my net, &c. — See on Ezekiel 12:13, where this clause occurs word for word. And will plead with him there — God is said to plead with men when he places their sins before their eyes, and convinces them of their disobedience by manifest tokens of his vengeance. And all his fugitives — All the companions of his flight; with all his bands shall fall by the sword — Every thing here denounced by the prophet against Zedekiah exactly came to pass, as the reader may see by comparing these threatenings with the account given Jeremiah 52:8-11; 2 Kings 25:5-7.

16. In the midst of Babylon he shall die — See Ezekiel 19:9.

Verses 16-21. As I live, saith the Lord, &c. — This intimates how highly God resented the crime, and how sure and severe the punishment of it would be. He swears in his wrath, as he did, Psalm 95:11. Observe, reader, as God’s promises are confirmed with an oath, for comfort to the saints, so are his threatenings, for terror to the wicked. Surely in the place where the king dwelleth — In Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar dwells, who made him king, when he might have as easily made him a prisoner. Whose oath he despised — Made light of, and perfidiously violated. Even with him he shall die — Shall be a prisoner in Babylon the rest of his days, and shall die there. Neither shall Pharaoh make for him — See Jeremiah 37:7. But the Hebrew, hmjlmb wtwa hc[y, may be properly rendered, as indeed it is by Bishop Newcome, Pharaoh shall not deal with him, namely, with Nebuchadnezzar, in war: or, shall not make war with him. Accordingly the Vulgate translates the clause, “Et non in exercitu grandi, neque in populo multo faciet contra eum Pharaoh prælium:” neither with a great army, nor with much people, shall Pharaoh fight a battle against him. By casting up, &c. — Or rather, When he hath cast up mounts, &c., that is, when Nebuchadnezzar has raised mounts and builded forts to annoy Jerusalem, and destroy its inhabitants, Pharaoh shall not bring any assistance to it. Seeing he despised, &c., when lo, he had given his hand — In token of entering into a mutual league and covenant. It was a ceremony used especially when an inferior made profession of his subjection to a superior. My covenant that he hath broken — God calls it his covenant, because it was entered into, or promised to be observed, by taking an oath in his name. Even it will I recompense upon his own head — I will punish it as it deserves, and it shall appear by the punishment that my hand doth execute it. And I will spread my net, &c. — See on Ezekiel 12:13, where this clause occurs word for word. And will plead with him there — God is said to plead with men when he places their sins before their eyes, and convinces them of their disobedience by manifest tokens of his vengeance. And all his fugitives — All the companions of his flight; with all his bands shall fall by the sword — Every thing here denounced by the prophet against Zedekiah exactly came to pass, as the reader may see by comparing these threatenings with the account given Jeremiah 52:8-11; 2 Kings 25:5-7.

17. Make for him — Old English for help him. Egypt’s assistance shall be in vain. (See Jeremiah 37:5; Lamentations 4:17.)

V. 18. Given his hand-Solemnly confirming the oath.

Verse 18. Seeing he despised the oath] This God particularly resents. He had bound himself by oath, in the presence of Jehovah, to be faithful to the covenant that he made with Nebuchadnezzar, and he took the first opportunity to break it; therefore he shall not escape.

Verses 16-21. As I live, saith the Lord, &c. — This intimates how highly God resented the crime, and how sure and severe the punishment of it would be. He swears in his wrath, as he did, Psalm 95:11. Observe, reader, as God’s promises are confirmed with an oath, for comfort to the saints, so are his threatenings, for terror to the wicked. Surely in the place where the king dwelleth — In Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar dwells, who made him king, when he might have as easily made him a prisoner. Whose oath he despised — Made light of, and perfidiously violated. Even with him he shall die — Shall be a prisoner in Babylon the rest of his days, and shall die there. Neither shall Pharaoh make for him — See Jeremiah 37:7. But the Hebrew, hmjlmb wtwa hc[y, may be properly rendered, as indeed it is by Bishop Newcome, Pharaoh shall not deal with him, namely, with Nebuchadnezzar, in war: or, shall not make war with him. Accordingly the Vulgate translates the clause, “Et non in exercitu grandi, neque in populo multo faciet contra eum Pharaoh prælium:” neither with a great army, nor with much people, shall Pharaoh fight a battle against him. By casting up, &c. — Or rather, When he hath cast up mounts, &c., that is, when Nebuchadnezzar has raised mounts and builded forts to annoy Jerusalem, and destroy its inhabitants, Pharaoh shall not bring any assistance to it. Seeing he despised, &c., when lo, he had given his hand — In token of entering into a mutual league and covenant. It was a ceremony used especially when an inferior made profession of his subjection to a superior. My covenant that he hath broken — God calls it his covenant, because it was entered into, or promised to be observed, by taking an oath in his name. Even it will I recompense upon his own head — I will punish it as it deserves, and it shall appear by the punishment that my hand doth execute it. And I will spread my net, &c. — See on Ezekiel 12:13, where this clause occurs word for word. And will plead with him there — God is said to plead with men when he places their sins before their eyes, and convinces them of their disobedience by manifest tokens of his vengeance. And all his fugitives — All the companions of his flight; with all his bands shall fall by the sword — Every thing here denounced by the prophet against Zedekiah exactly came to pass, as the reader may see by comparing these threatenings with the account given Jeremiah 52:8-11; 2 Kings 25:5-7.

Verses 16-21. As I live, saith the Lord, &c. — This intimates how highly God resented the crime, and how sure and severe the punishment of it would be. He swears in his wrath, as he did, Psalm 95:11. Observe, reader, as God’s promises are confirmed with an oath, for comfort to the saints, so are his threatenings, for terror to the wicked. Surely in the place where the king dwelleth — In Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar dwells, who made him king, when he might have as easily made him a prisoner. Whose oath he despised — Made light of, and perfidiously violated. Even with him he shall die — Shall be a prisoner in Babylon the rest of his days, and shall die there. Neither shall Pharaoh make for him — See Jeremiah 37:7. But the Hebrew, hmjlmb wtwa hc[y, may be properly rendered, as indeed it is by Bishop Newcome, Pharaoh shall not deal with him, namely, with Nebuchadnezzar, in war: or, shall not make war with him. Accordingly the Vulgate translates the clause, “Et non in exercitu grandi, neque in populo multo faciet contra eum Pharaoh prælium:” neither with a great army, nor with much people, shall Pharaoh fight a battle against him. By casting up, &c. — Or rather, When he hath cast up mounts, &c., that is, when Nebuchadnezzar has raised mounts and builded forts to annoy Jerusalem, and destroy its inhabitants, Pharaoh shall not bring any assistance to it. Seeing he despised, &c., when lo, he had given his hand — In token of entering into a mutual league and covenant. It was a ceremony used especially when an inferior made profession of his subjection to a superior. My covenant that he hath broken — God calls it his covenant, because it was entered into, or promised to be observed, by taking an oath in his name. Even it will I recompense upon his own head — I will punish it as it deserves, and it shall appear by the punishment that my hand doth execute it. And I will spread my net, &c. — See on Ezekiel 12:13, where this clause occurs word for word. And will plead with him there — God is said to plead with men when he places their sins before their eyes, and convinces them of their disobedience by manifest tokens of his vengeance. And all his fugitives — All the companions of his flight; with all his bands shall fall by the sword — Every thing here denounced by the prophet against Zedekiah exactly came to pass, as the reader may see by comparing these threatenings with the account given Jeremiah 52:8-11; 2 Kings 25:5-7.

Ver. 19. Mine oath that he hath despised. The Lord’s covenant. Had Zedekiah remembered the injunction to the man that hath sworn to his hurt, and kept his word, he had reigned in Jerusalem, and would have prospered.

19. Mine oath that he hath despised — Not only against

Nebuchadnezzar has Zedekiah rebelled, but against Jehovah. The oath was no doubt taken in Jehovah’s name, and it certainly had the approval of God’s prophet (Jeremiah 25:9-11; 27:9-17). The calamity falls upon Israel, not chiefly because of its lack of political acumen, but because of its sin against God. Compare the style of this utterance with that of the Arabians, who rebelled against Assur-banipal and explained their subsequent humiliation by saying, “It was because we broke the great oath of Assur and have sinned against the goodness of Assur-banipal.” — Ezekiel Studien, p. 62.

V. 20. Plead-I will punish him.

Verse 20. I will spread my net upon him] See Clarke’s note on “Ezekiel 12:13”.

Verses 16-21. As I live, saith the Lord, &c. — This intimates how highly God resented the crime, and how sure and severe the punishment of it would be. He swears in his wrath, as he did, Psalm 95:11. Observe, reader, as God’s promises are confirmed with an oath, for comfort to the saints, so are his threatenings, for terror to the wicked. Surely in the place where the king dwelleth — In Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar dwells, who made him king, when he might have as easily made him a prisoner. Whose oath he despised — Made light of, and perfidiously violated. Even with him he shall die — Shall be a prisoner in Babylon the rest of his days, and shall die there. Neither shall Pharaoh make for him — See Jeremiah 37:7. But the Hebrew, hmjlmb wtwa hc[y, may be properly rendered, as indeed it is by Bishop Newcome, Pharaoh shall not deal with him, namely, with Nebuchadnezzar, in war: or, shall not make war with him. Accordingly the Vulgate translates the clause, “Et non in exercitu grandi, neque in populo multo faciet contra eum Pharaoh prælium:” neither with a great army, nor with much people, shall Pharaoh fight a battle against him. By casting up, &c. — Or rather, When he hath cast up mounts, &c., that is, when Nebuchadnezzar has raised mounts and builded forts to annoy Jerusalem, and destroy its inhabitants, Pharaoh shall not bring any assistance to it. Seeing he despised, &c., when lo, he had given his hand — In token of entering into a mutual league and covenant. It was a ceremony used especially when an inferior made profession of his subjection to a superior. My covenant that he hath broken — God calls it his covenant, because it was entered into, or promised to be observed, by taking an oath in his name. Even it will I recompense upon his own head — I will punish it as it deserves, and it shall appear by the punishment that my hand doth execute it. And I will spread my net, &c. — See on Ezekiel 12:13, where this clause occurs word for word. And will plead with him there — God is said to plead with men when he places their sins before their eyes, and convinces them of their disobedience by manifest tokens of his vengeance. And all his fugitives — All the companions of his flight; with all his bands shall fall by the sword — Every thing here denounced by the prophet against Zedekiah exactly came to pass, as the reader may see by comparing these threatenings with the account given Jeremiah 52:8-11; 2 Kings 25:5-7.

20. I will spread my net upon him — Compare Ezekiel 12:13. I… will plead with him — “Subject him to the consequences of his treachery, bringing it thereby to his knowledge that he is suffering the penalty of it” (Ezekiel 20:35, 36; 38:22; Jeremiah 2:35). — Davidson. His trespass, etc. — Rather, his unfaithfulness that he has committed against me.

V. 21. All-Not strictly, but the greatest part.

Verse 21. All his fugitives] All who attempted to escape with him, and all that ran to Egypt, &c., shall fall by the sword.

Verses 16-21. As I live, saith the Lord, &c. — This intimates how highly God resented the crime, and how sure and severe the punishment of it would be. He swears in his wrath, as he did, Psalm 95:11. Observe, reader, as God’s promises are confirmed with an oath, for comfort to the saints, so are his threatenings, for terror to the wicked. Surely in the place where the king dwelleth — In Babylon, where Nebuchadnezzar dwells, who made him king, when he might have as easily made him a prisoner. Whose oath he despised — Made light of, and perfidiously violated. Even with him he shall die — Shall be a prisoner in Babylon the rest of his days, and shall die there. Neither shall Pharaoh make for him — See Jeremiah 37:7. But the Hebrew, hmjlmb wtwa hc[y, may be properly rendered, as indeed it is by Bishop Newcome, Pharaoh shall not deal with him, namely, with Nebuchadnezzar, in war: or, shall not make war with him. Accordingly the Vulgate translates the clause, “Et non in exercitu grandi, neque in populo multo faciet contra eum Pharaoh prælium:” neither with a great army, nor with much people, shall Pharaoh fight a battle against him. By casting up, &c. — Or rather, When he hath cast up mounts, &c., that is, when Nebuchadnezzar has raised mounts and builded forts to annoy Jerusalem, and destroy its inhabitants, Pharaoh shall not bring any assistance to it. Seeing he despised, &c., when lo, he had given his hand — In token of entering into a mutual league and covenant. It was a ceremony used especially when an inferior made profession of his subjection to a superior. My covenant that he hath broken — God calls it his covenant, because it was entered into, or promised to be observed, by taking an oath in his name. Even it will I recompense upon his own head — I will punish it as it deserves, and it shall appear by the punishment that my hand doth execute it. And I will spread my net, &c. — See on Ezekiel 12:13, where this clause occurs word for word. And will plead with him there — God is said to plead with men when he places their sins before their eyes, and convinces them of their disobedience by manifest tokens of his vengeance. And all his fugitives — All the companions of his flight; with all his bands shall fall by the sword — Every thing here denounced by the prophet against Zedekiah exactly came to pass, as the reader may see by comparing these threatenings with the account given Jeremiah 52:8-11; 2 Kings 25:5-7.

21. Fugitives — Perhaps, chosen ones, or choice men (Targum, Peshito).

V. 22. The highest branch-Of the royal seed; of the highest branch that is heir to the throne; namely, the Messiah. An high mountain-Upon mount Zion. Eminent-Not for outward splendor, but for spiritual advantages.

Verse 22. I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar] I will raise up another monarchy, which shall come in the line of David, namely, the Messiah; who shall appear as a tender plant, as to his incarnation; but he shall be high and eminent; his Church, the royal city, the highest and purest ever seen on the face of the earth.

Verses 22, 23. I will also take of the highest branch, &c. — God, having spoken of Jerusalem, in the first part of this chapter, under the figure of a cedar, and the king of it as the highest branch of the cedar, here carries his view to farther scenes, and, after having acquainted his prophet with the fate of Zedekiah, informs him, that as Nebuchadnezzar had taken of the seed of the land, (or the king,) and planted it, so he himself would take of the highest branch of the cedar and set it, &c. This appears plainly to be a prediction of the restoration of the royal family of David; and it was in some degree fulfilled at the return from the captivity, when Zerubbabel, of the lineage of David, had a shadow of kingly authority among the Jews, and by his means their state was again restored. But if the words be properly examined, the expressions will be found to be such as, in their full sense, can only belong to Christ and his kingdom, which shall be extended over all the world. I will crop off from the young twigs a tender one — This may fitly be applied to our Saviour, in respect to the low estate to which the family of David was then reduced, and the meanness of Christ’s outward condition and appearance: see Isaiah 53:2. And will plant it upon a high mountain — Upon mount Zion, a type of the gospel church; and eminent — Not for outward splendour, but for spiritual advantages. In the mountain of the height of Israel — In Jerusalem, the capital city of my people, will I plant it — I will make him ruler of my church. He alludes to the temple placed on mount Moriah, a part of mount Zion, thence styled God’s holy mountain; which expression is often used in the prophets to denote the Christian Church, which is described as a city set on a hill, and conspicuous to all the world. And it shall bring forth boughs — Have many members and subjects; and bear fruit — Do much good. The living members of the church are often compared to fruitful trees and flourishing branches. And be a goodly cedar — The most happy society in the world, Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 144:15. And under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing — Persons of all nations shall become members of it. A powerful, especially if it be a mild government, is a shelter and security to all its subjects: compare Ezekiel 31:6; Daniel 4:12. Such shall the kingdom of Christ be to all that submit themselves to his laws.

Ver. 22. I will take of the highest branch. Not Zerubbabel, but Christ, to whom all power is given in heaven and earth. It was constant with the prophets in trouble to fly to Christ. Isaiah 7. 39. 40. Micah 5. See on Daniel 4:14, 15.

22. I will also take… and will plant — Jehovah will do better than Nebuchadnezzar and better than Pharaoh-Hophra. (See verse 3.) The Babylonian king failed in his attempt to make the kingdom of Israel “stand,” and the Egyptian king was a weak ally, but Jehovah will not fail. The most learned Jewish rabbis have always interpreted this of the kingdom of the coming Messiah.

V. 23. In the mountain-In Jerusalem. All fowl-All nations. In the shadow-There they shall find peace and safety.

Verse 23. In the mountain of the height of Israel] He shall make his appearance at the temple, and found his Church at Jerusalem. Shall bring forth boughs] Apostles, evangelists, and their successors in the Gospel ministry.

And bear fruit] Multitudes of souls shall be converted by their preaching. And under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing] All the nations of the earth shall receive his Gospel.

In the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.] Trust in him alone for salvation, and be saved in their trusting.

Verses 22, 23. I will also take of the highest branch, &c. — God, having spoken of Jerusalem, in the first part of this chapter, under the figure of a cedar, and the king of it as the highest branch of the cedar, here carries his view to farther scenes, and, after having acquainted his prophet with the fate of Zedekiah, informs him, that as Nebuchadnezzar had taken of the seed of the land, (or the king,) and planted it, so he himself would take of the highest branch of the cedar and set it, &c. This appears plainly to be a prediction of the restoration of the royal family of David; and it was in some degree fulfilled at the return from the captivity, when Zerubbabel, of the lineage of David, had a shadow of kingly authority among the Jews, and by his means their state was again restored. But if the words be properly examined, the expressions will be found to be such as, in their full sense, can only belong to Christ and his kingdom, which shall be extended over all the world. I will crop off from the young twigs a tender one — This may fitly be applied to our Saviour, in respect to the low estate to which the family of David was then reduced, and the meanness of Christ’s outward condition and appearance: see Isaiah 53:2. And will plant it upon a high mountain — Upon mount Zion, a type of the gospel church; and eminent — Not for outward splendour, but for spiritual advantages. In the mountain of the height of Israel — In Jerusalem, the capital city of my people, will I plant it — I will make him ruler of my church. He alludes to the temple placed on mount Moriah, a part of mount Zion, thence styled God’s holy mountain; which expression is often used in the prophets to denote the Christian Church, which is described as a city set on a hill, and conspicuous to all the world. And it shall bring forth boughs — Have many members and subjects; and bear fruit — Do much good. The living members of the church are often compared to fruitful trees and flourishing branches. And be a goodly cedar — The most happy society in the world, Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 144:15. And under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing — Persons of all nations shall become members of it. A powerful, especially if it be a mild government, is a shelter and security to all its subjects: compare Ezekiel 31:6; Daniel 4:12. Such shall the kingdom of Christ be to all that submit themselves to his laws.

23. In the mountain of the height… will I plant it — Compare verse 3; 20:40; 40:2; Isaiah 2:9; 11:10; Micah 4:1-3. This new kingdom shall be conspicuous and fruitful, yea, it shall be a universal kingdom, for “all fowl of every wing” shall dwell under it (Ezekiel 31:6; Daniel 4:12). Babylon could only make of the Israelitish kingdom a “vine of low stature,” and Egypt could not do more; but Jehovah can make of it a mighty cedar crowning the mountain height. This was never realized until the Messianic kingdom was set up by the divine “Branch” on the holy hill of Zion. (Zechariah 3:8; Isaiah 53:2; 11:1.) In the only fragment of a wall preserved from the most ancient mosque in Damascus is carved this sentence: “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations” (Psalm 145:13; Daniel 2:44; 7:27).

V. 24. The trees-The great ones on earth. The high tree-The kingdom of Babylon, which was brought low indeed, when overthrown by Darius and Cyrus.

Verse 24. All the trees of the field shall know] All the people of Israel and of Chaldea.

I the Lord have brought down the high tree] Have dethroned Jehoiachin.

Have exalted the low tree] Put Zedekiah, brother of Jehoiachin, in his place.

Have dried up the green tree] Zedekiah, who had numerous children, but who were all slain before his eyes at Riblah.

And have made the dry tree to flourish] Have raised up a rod out of the stem of Jesse, the family of David being then apparently dried up and extinct. This was the promised Messiah, of the increase and government of whose kingdom and peace there shall be no end; upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order and establish it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth, even for ever. THE ZEAL OF THE LORD OF HOSTS WILL PERFORM THIS.

The high and green tree, says Newcome, refers to Nebuchadnezzar; the low and the dry tree, to the Jews.

EZEKIEL

Verse 24. All the trees of the field — All the nations of the world; shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree — Have subdued and degraded the enemies of my people; have exalted the low tree — Have advanced my church, and made it flourish; have dried up the green tree, &c. — The same thing expressed in somewhat different words. Although these expressions may partly refer to the overthrow of the mighty Babylonian empire, and the restoration of the Jewish state by their return out of captivity, yet they are so magnificent, that they evidently intend much more than this. The Jewish kingdom did never, after the captivity, arrive at such a pitch of greatness as to give occasion to these magnificent expressions. Some more noble kingdom is undoubtedly here pointed at, namely, the kingdom of Christ, as has been observed above, which will at last be exalted above all the kingdoms of the world, and put an end to them all, while it will continue to all eternity: see Daniel 4:35, 44, and 7:27; Luke 1:33; 1 Corinthians 15:24. It is under Christ’s kingdom only that people of all nations, signified here by fowls of every kind, shall be gathered together. And the subjects of that kingdom only have a certain and eternal protection, and a supply of every thing necessary. There is therefore no doubt that this was spoken, in its full sense, of the eternal and all-powerful kingdom to be established in Christ, one of the royal seed of Judah according to the flesh. I the Lord have spoken it, and have done it — The prophets often speak of future events as if they were already accomplished, to assure us that they shall certainly come to pass.

24. And all the trees of the field shall know — The other kingdoms shall be taught Jehovah’s majesty by his exaltation of the feeble and his punishment of the proud (1 Samuel 2:4-8; Luke 1:51-53).