Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I are studying the prophet Ezekiel because we believe his message is relevant to America today.
In earlier blog posts I summarized passages to help us grasp the main ideas without getting lost in some of the finer details. I’ll continue doing that today to give us a clearer picture of what they’re saying.
The first ten verses of chapter 17 present a beautifully written allegory that effectively captures Ezekiel’s audience’s attention, drawing them to the powerful conclusion.
Unfortunately, modern readers don’t experience it in the same way Ezekiel’s listeners did in 590 BC. That is why I am skipping the analogy and going straight to the explanation.
Below is a bullet-point summary of the explanation of the allegory found in Ezekiel 17.11-21:
- Prophetic Message: God instructs Ezekiel to speak to the “rebellious house” (Israel) and explain the events symbolically.
- Historical Background:
- The king of Babylon invaded Jerusalem, capturing its king and officials and taking them to Babylon.
Jehoiachin was the king who ruled in Jerusalem. In 597 BCE, he, along with several other prominent individuals and people like Ezekiel, was taken into exile in Babylon.
- He placed a member of the royal family under oath and set him up as a subordinate ruler in Jerusalem, intending to keep the kingdom humble and submissive.
Nebuchadnezzar appointed Jehoiachin’s brother, Zedekiah, as a puppet king over Jerusalem. As part of this arrangement, Zedekiah pledged an oath to fully comply with Nebuchadnezzar’s directives.
- Rebellion and Consequences:
- The appointed ruler rebelled by seeking military assistance from Egypt, hoping for horses and a large army.
Instead of serving Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah attempted to form an alliance with Egypt.
- God questions whether such rebellion can succeed or if one can break an oath and escape the consequences.
Both Ezekiel and Jeremiah instructed the people in Jerusalem to submit to Babylon, emphasizing that their true adversary was not Babylon but God Himself. Their suffering was a consequence of their own actions.
Forming an alliance with Egypt would only deepen their rebellion against God.
- Divine Judgment:
- God declares that the ruler will face judgment in Babylon, where he will die for breaking his covenant.
When Nebuchadnezzar discovered Zedekiah’s betrayal, he enacted a severe judgment: Zedekiah’s children were killed before his eyes, and then his eyes were gouged out before he was taken as a prisoner to Babylon.
- Pharaoh’s army will not be able to help when Jerusalem faces siege and destruction.
Pharaoh’s army not only failed to help Zedekiah, but they never even attempted to intervene. The Egyptians made no effort to assist as Babylon conquered Jerusalem in 587 BC.
- Final Outcome:
- The ruler’s troops will be defeated, survivors will be scattered, and Israel will recognize the authority and judgment of the Lord.
This passage, along with other vivid images from the prophets, describes one of the darkest and most challenging periods in Israel’s history. We must remember that their sin led to these events, yet God would later restore them. Both truths are essential to keep in mind.
Reflections:
This morning, I read a poet’s description of people who live entirely outside of God’s will yet somehow expect to experience paradise. The two cannot coexist.
Paul is right when he says, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow” (Galatians 6.7).
If we want the life we desire and the one God has planned for us, we need to follow His principles. The psalmist offers excellent guidance on how to do this.
How fortunate are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path that sinners tread
or sit in the seat of scoffers,
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper. (Psalm 1.1-3)
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 