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God presents a parable involving two eagles and a vine to explain Judah’s political betrayal. The first eagle represents Babylon, which installed a vassal king in Jerusalem. The vine’s decision to seek help from another eagle (Egypt) symbolizes Judah’s rebellion and broken covenant. God declares that breaking an oath sworn in His name brings judgment.
Yet the chapter ends with hope. God promises to plant His own tender shoot from the cedar — a future ruler who will grow strong and provide shelter for many. This affirms that while human schemes fail, God’s purposes stand unshaken.
The tender shoot planted by God points forward to the Messiah — a humble beginning that grows into a kingdom where all nations find refuge. God Himself establishes this kingdom, not human power or political alliances.
Ezekiel 17
“The Eagle and the Vine”
Verse 1
The word of the Lord came with a riddle to say,
“Son of man, tell this parable My way.
A great eagle with wings spread wide,
Came to the cedar in strength and pride.
Verse 2
He plucked the top of the tallest tree,
Carried it off to a land overseas.
Set it down in a trader’s town,
Then planted a seed in fertile ground.”
Pre-Chorus
It grew low, spread roots below,
A vine bent east where the waters flow.
But another eagle entered the scene,
And the vine leaned toward what should not be.
Chorus
Will it thrive when it turns away?
Can a broken vow still stand and stay?
Uprooted roots, withering leaves,
No strength remains where trust deceives.
They will know when all is done:
I am the Lord, the faithful One.
Verse 3
It broke its oath, it spurned its king,
Sought foreign help — a reckless thing.
But will it rise by borrowed might?
Or fall for betraying what was right?
Pre-Chorus 2
As I live, says the Sovereign Lord,
That vow was sworn — My name ignored.
In Babylon judgment will stand,
Because the covenant was planned.
Chorus
Will it thrive when it turns away?
Can a broken vow still stand and stay?
Uprooted roots, withering leaves,
No strength remains where trust deceives.
They will know when all is done:
I am the Lord, the faithful One.
Bridge (Promise Turn)
But I Myself will take a shoot,
From the highest cedar — small but true.
I’ll plant it high on Israel’s hill,
And every bird will rest there still.
Final Chorus (Hope)
What I plant will surely grow,
What I bring low, I raise — I know.
The proud made small, the weak made strong,
All the earth will sing this song:
The Lord alone has power won.
Outro / Anchor Line
I speak and act — My word is sure,
Kings may fall, My plans endure.
What I have said will come to be:
The Lord is sovereign — wait and see.
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