Ezekiel 7:7-10

God gives all and God can take it all away. 

History has a way of repeating itself. We need to get back to loving what God loves…compassion, forgiveness and gratefulness. And hating what He hates…arrogance and pride.

Ezekiel 7:7-10

7 “But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers;

And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him,

And stretched its branches toward him,

From the garden terrace where it had been planted,

That he might water it.

8 It was planted in good soil by many waters,

To bring forth branches, bear fruit,

And become a majestic vine.” ’

9 “Say, ‘Thus says the Lord God:

“Will it thrive?

Will he not pull up its roots,

Cut off its fruit,

And leave it to wither?

All of its spring leaves will wither,

And no great power or many people

Will be needed to pluck it up by its roots.

10 Behold, it is planted,

Will it thrive?

Will it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it?

It will wither in the garden terrace where it grew.” ’ ”

The second eagle is less grand and powerful, but it is still formidable. This eagle likely represents Pharaoh Psammetichus II of Egypt. When Psammetichus came to power in 595 bc, several nations in Syria-Palestine (including Moab, Ammon, Edom, Tyre, and Sidon) saw an opportunity to rebel against Babylon. In 591 bc, Psammetichus entered Palestine, challenging Babylonian power there.

 

Zedekiah was caught between political factions in Jerusalem. One group advocated continued loyalty to Babylon; the other promoted rebellion and alliance with Egypt. Eventually, Zedekiah was convinced to rebel with the promise of Egyptian support.

The rhetorical question directs the audience’s attention to the dangerous circumstances. Once Judah has rebelled, there will be little to stop Nebuchadnezzar from destroying it.  Judah is relatively weak compared to Babylon, and the resistance will not cost Babylon much in manpower and resources. Faithlife Bible.

This allegory is focused around a main point and is followed by an explanation to guide the reader. The great eagle is the king of Babylon; Lebanon symbolizes Canaan, of which Jerusalem is the major city; the highest branch is the king of Jerusalem and Judah; the topmost young twig refers to the nobility of Judah; the land of trade is Babylon; the seed is a member of the royal family; the fertile field is the land where this royal offspring would rule; the other great eagle is the king of Egypt; and the vine is the remnant and ruler left in Judah. This remnant failed to prosper because they made a treaty with the Egyptian pharaoh. As a result, even the remnant was slain and scattered by Babylon’s army. NKJ Bible.

Ezekiel 17:15 But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and many people. Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and still be delivered?

Hosea 13:15 | Though he is fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come; the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness. Then his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up. He shall plunder the treasury of every desirable prize.