What does the "great eagle" symbolize in Ezekiel 17:7? Setting the Scene - Ezekiel 17 tells a parable involving two majestic birds and a vine. - Verse 3 introduces the first “great eagle” with “long pinions, rich in plumage of many colors.” - Verse 7 brings in “another great eagle with great wings and many feathers.” - Understanding who these figures represent unlocks the message God delivered to Judah through Ezekiel. Identifying the Characters - First great eagle (v. 3): Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (cf. 2 Kings 24:10–17; Jeremiah 52:4–17). - Vine: King Zedekiah and the remaining leaders of Judah, left in the land after the first deportation (Ezekiel 17:5–6, 11–13). - Second great eagle (v. 7): Pharaoh Hophra (Apries), ruler of Egypt (Jeremiah 44:30). Text Focus: Ezekiel 17:7 “‘But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him and stretched its branches toward him from the plots where it was planted, so that he might water it.’” What the Second Eagle Symbolizes - Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt—Judah’s hoped-for rescuer from Babylonian dominance. - Historically, Zedekiah sought military aid from Egypt, breaking the oath he had sworn to Nebuchadnezzar (2 Chron 36:12–13; Ezekiel 17:15). - The “great wings and many feathers” picture Egypt’s impressive cavalry and chariot forces (Isaiah 31:1). Why Judah Looked to Egypt - Desire for political independence: Judah longed to shake off Babylonian vassalage (Jeremiah 37:5–8). - Misplaced confidence: Pharaoh was seen as a powerful alternative savior (Isaiah 30:1–3). - Rejection of God’s warning: The Lord, through Jeremiah and Ezekiel, had told them alliance with Egypt would fail (Jeremiah 42:13–22). God’s Verdict on the Alliance - Ezekiel 17:15: “Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape?” Egypt would not rescue Judah. - Ezekiel 17:17: “Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company will not help him in war.” - Fulfilled when Babylon crushed both Jerusalem (586 BC) and the Egyptian forces that attempted relief (Jeremiah 37:5–10). Timeless Takeaways - Trusting human strength over God invites disappointment (Psalm 146:3–5). - Breaking covenants is rebellion against God Himself, not merely against people (Ezekiel 17:19). - God alone provides lasting security; worldly alliances cannot replace obedience and faith (Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:3). In Short The “great eagle” of Ezekiel 17:7 stands for Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt—the power Judah trusted instead of the Lord—illustrating the futility of relying on human alliances rather than on God’s faithful word. |
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