Keraia
Ezekiel 17

Ezekiel 17:5

The Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine · Ezekiel 17:1–10
Read Ezekiel 17

Translations

Modern
He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow.
Traditional
He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree.
Literal
And he took from the seed of the land, and he put it it in a field of seed; he took it next to abundant waters; as a willow tree he set it.
Latin
Et tulit de semine terræ, et posuit illud in terra pro semine, ut firmaret radicem super aquas multas: in superficie posuit illud.

Original

Hebrew
English
He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow.

Notes

Ezekiel 17:3–6

Babylon was the city filled with merchants (see Ezekiel 16:29).

Ezekiel 17:1–24

This chapter includes a riddle. A riddle is a type of metaphorical speech (language that uses pictures and comparisons). It both hides and shows the meaning at the same time.

The chapter is also a fable. A fable is a story that teaches a moral lesson. It often tells the lesson through plants or animals instead of people.

This creative setting creates distance between the story and real life. That distance helps the listener receive the message. It lowers resistance to a message that may be hard or unpleasant to hear.

Ezekiel 15:1–24:14

This section includes eight metaphors, each showing from a different angle the certainty of Jerusalem's upcoming judgment. The images are of:

  1. a worthless vine (Ezekiel 15);

  2. a faithless wife (Ezekiel 16);

  3. a vine and two eagles (Ezekiel 17);

  4. Sour grapes (Ezekiel 18);

  5. a lion and her cubs (Ezekiel 19);

  6. a sword (Ezekiel 21);

  7. two corrupt sisters (Ezekiel 23); and

  8. a cooking pot (Ezekiel 24).

Events

Parallels

Matthew 13:24–30

Glossary

Alliance Cedar Ezekiel, Book of Hosea, Book of Riddle Vine, Wild Vine Vulture

Topics

Babylon: Revolt of the Jews From, and Their Punishment Illustrated Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Prophesies by Parable of an Eagle Parables of the Vine Prophets: Frequently Spoke in Parables and Riddles The Cedar: The Eagle Alluded to as Instrumental in Propagating Trees: Often Propagated by Birds Who Carry the Seeds Along with Them Trees: Willow Willow: General Scriptures Concerning