EZEKIEL 17

THE PARABLE OF THE EAGLES + THE VINE

God gives Ezekiel a parable to share, spoken as a riddle. The parable describes two eagles and a vine. An eagle, symbolizing Babylon, carries away a sprout from a cedar. This sprout represents Jerusalem, led by King Jehoiakim, who planted another growing vine. This second vine represents Zedekiah, who King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon appointed over Judah.

Another eagle appears, representative of Egypt, and the vine stretches out, growing towards the second eagle. The parable shows the sprout as representative of Judah, who was uprooted and turned astray. God will replace the sprig and bring forth a noble cedar, the re-established Jerusalem.

For greater context to this parable, visit 2 Kings 23–25 and Jeremiah 37–44.