What lessons can we learn about trust from the parable in Ezekiel 17:3? Setting the Scene Ezekiel speaks to exiles who have watched their leaders make political alliances instead of relying on God. Into that setting comes the parable of two eagles and a cedar. Ezekiel 17:3 begins, “A great eagle with great wings came to Lebanon and took the top of the cedar.” Judah’s king had put his trust in Babylon (the first eagle) and would later try to trust Egypt (the second eagle). Both alliances fail because neither rests on faith in the LORD. Key Symbols in Verse 3 - Great eagle – the powerful foreign ruler (Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar). - Cedar top – Judah’s king, a symbol of strength now vulnerable. - Lebanon – the land where the cedar grew, representing Judah. Lessons About Trust - Trusting power instead of the LORD leads to loss. Judah’s king is “plucked” from security because he relied on human might rather than God’s covenant faithfulness (cf. Psalm 20:7). - God sees misplaced confidence as spiritual adultery. Turning to Egypt for help exposed Judah’s divided heart; it was more than bad diplomacy—it was sin against the God who had delivered them (Jeremiah 17:5). - The LORD remains sovereign over nations. Even when Judah looks powerless, God directs the “eagle.” Trust in Him is never wasted, even under foreign rule (Proverbs 3:5–6). Consequences of Misplaced Trust - Loss of stability – the cedar’s “top” is removed; Judah’s leadership crumbles. - Broken promises – alliances made apart from God unravel; human guarantees prove empty. - Discipline, not destruction – God’s judgment intends to lead His people back to wholehearted dependence (Hebrews 12:6). Positive Trust Illustrated Elsewhere - Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” - Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” - Jeremiah 17:7 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” Putting It Into Practice Today - Evaluate alliances: work, finances, relationships—where am I leaning on human strength instead of God’s guidance? - Speak trust aloud: rehearse scriptures daily that emphasize God’s sovereignty and care. - Act in faith: obey even when God’s way seems weaker than worldly options; true security rests in Him alone (John 15:5). The parable’s opening verse reminds us that any trust not placed in the LORD will eventually be “plucked.” Genuine security grows from steady, surrendered confidence in God’s unchanging power and promises. |
    |