Bible Commentaries

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Son of man. See note on Ezekiel 2:1.

riddle = enigma. Hebrew. chidah = a difficult or per plexing problem put forth for solution. Occurs in Judges 14:1, Judges 14:2, Judges 14:13, Judges 14:14, Judges 14:15, Judges 14:16, Judges 14:17, Judges 14:18, Judges 14:19 (= riddle). Numbers 12:8. 1 Kings 10:5. 2 Chronicles 9:1 (= dark sayings). Psalms 49:4. Proverbs 1:6, &c. Distinct from a "parable". Compare Psalms 78:2 (= dark sayings). Daniel 8:23. Habakkuk 2:6 (= "proverb").

parable = the comparing of one thing with another. Not the same as "riddle" (enigma).

the Lord GoD. Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah. See note on Ezekiel 2:4.

A great eagle. Tho king of Babylon.

longwinged = long-pinioned, as in Ezekiel 17:7.

feathers = plumage.

the highest branch. Jeleoiachin (i.e. Jeconiah, or Coniah). See Ezekiel 17:12; find Jeremiah 22:23, Jeremiah 22:24.

top = topmost.

traffick. Babylon.

the seed of the land. Zedokiah. See Ezekiel 17:6 and Ezekiel 17:13. Nebuchadnezzar did not set up a Chaldean king over Judah, but nourished Zedekiah, as verses: Ezekiel 17:5, Ezekiel 17:6 show.

turned toward him. Zedekiah being dependent upon Nebuchadnezzar.

another great eagle. Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt.

bend her roots: i.e. looked for succour to Egypt. Compare verses: Ezekiel 17:5, Ezekiel 17:8

water it. From the Nile.

soil = field.

Shall it prosper? &c. This is Jehovah's sentence on the perfidy of Zedekiah in breaking his oath to Nebuchadnezzar. Compare Ezekiel 17:13 and the Structure (S1, S2, S3). Those who interpret this enigma of Zedekiah's daughters are hereby warned that their interpretation shall not prosper. See notes on Ezekiel 17:22 and Ezekiel 17:24.

spring = sproutings.

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

it: i.e. the vine.

wind. Hebrew. ruach, App-9.

rebellious house. See note on Ezekiel 2:5.

taken, &c. Compare 2 Kings 24:30.

covenant . . . oath. See note on Ezekiel 16:59.

taken an oath. See 2 Chronicles 36:13.

base = low.

he rebelled, &c. See 2 Kings 24:20. 2 Chronicles 36:13.

saith the Lord GOD = [is] Adenai Jehovah's oracle.

in the midst of Babylon, &c. Compare Ezekiel 12:13.

company = gathered force.

make for him = help him

persons = souls. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

given his hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, for making a covenant (2 Kings 10:13. Ezra 10:19. Jeremiah 50:15).

spread My net upon him. Compare Ezekiel 12:13; Ezekiel 32:3. plead = reckon. Compare Ezekiel 20:36; Ezekiel 38:22.

trespass that he hath trespassed. See note on Ezekiel 15:8.

all his fugitives. Compare Ezekiel 12:14.

ye shall know, &c. See note on Ezekiel 6:7.

the highest branch. Sets forth the restoration of the kingdom in the Messiah.

branch. Compare Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 23:6; Jeremiah 33:15. Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 6:12; and Isaiah 4:2.

a tender one. Compare Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:1, Isaiah 53:2, The Chaldee Targum interprets this of the Messiah. Those who interpret this of Zedekiah's "younger daughter" are guilty of substituting her for the Messiah Himself; Whose future kingdom is to be "in the mountain of the height of Israel", and not in any other country; or, during the present dispensation. See notes on or Ezekiel 23:24.

In the mountain, &c. Compare Isaiah 2:2, Isaiah 2:3; Isaiah 54:1-17; Isaiah 62:1-7.

bring forth boughs = exalt its branch.

I the LORD, &c. He will prosper His work. This is in contrast with verses: Ezekiel 17:9, Ezekiel 17:10 (S1), and verses: Ezekiel 17:15-21 (S2), which would not prosper.