How does Ezekiel 17:15 illustrate the consequences of breaking covenants with God? Setting the Scene - Ezekiel 17 uses a parable of two eagles and a vine to describe Judah’s political entanglements. - The vine represents King Zedekiah, who swore allegiance to Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:13). - The oath was made “by God” (Ezekiel 17:19), turning a political treaty into a covenant before the Lord. Covenant Broken: Ezekiel 17:15 “ ‘But this king rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt to obtain horses and a large army. Will he prosper? Will one who does such things escape? Can he break covenant and yet escape?’ ” Immediate Outcomes - Rebellion: Zedekiah sought Egypt’s aid, defying his sworn oath. - Questions from God: “Will he prosper?” “Will he escape?”—implying an emphatic “No.” - Loss of divine favor: Once the covenant is broken, God removes His protective hand (Ezekiel 17:20). Divine Response - Captivity assured: “I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught” (Ezekiel 17:20). - City ruined, people scattered (Ezekiel 17:21). - God vindicates His name: “Thus you will know that I the Lord have spoken” (Ezekiel 17:21). Principles for Today - God treats vows as binding (Numbers 30:2). - Breaking covenant invites discipline rather than blessing (Galatians 6:7). - Alliances that contradict God’s revealed will never secure real safety (Isaiah 31:1). Supporting Scriptures - 2 Chronicles 36:13—Zedekiah “stiffened his neck” against the oath sworn by God. - Ecclesiastes 5:4–6—Failing to pay a vow angers God and destroys the work of one’s hands. - Psalm 15:4—The righteous “keep their oath even when it hurts.” - Deuteronomy 23:21—Pay what you vow; otherwise “the Lord your God will surely require it of you.” Takeaways - Covenant-breaking never prospers; God Himself opposes it. - Earthly schemes cannot overturn divine decrees. - Faithful obedience to every promise made before God safeguards both testimony and blessing. |
    |