What is the meaning of Ezekiel 17:2? Son of man – The LORD addresses Ezekiel with the familiar title He has used since Ezekiel 2:1, emphasizing the prophet’s humanity and reliance on divine revelation. – By calling Ezekiel “son of man,” God highlights the contrast between the frailty of the messenger and the authority of the message (Ezekiel 3:17; Psalm 8:4). – Jesus later adopts this title to reveal His identification with humanity while carrying divine authority (Matthew 26:64; John 5:27), underscoring continuity in God’s redemptive plan. pose a riddle – A riddle is a statement that conceals truth beneath figurative language. Here, God chooses a puzzling form to stir reflection and humble hearts before unfolding His verdict (Judges 14:12–14; Proverbs 1:5–6). – This literary device invites Israel to search diligently rather than dismiss God’s warning, echoing the principle that “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter” while urging kings—and all hearers—to seek it out (Proverbs 25:2). – The riddle will depict two great eagles and a cedar (Ezekiel 17:3-4). Interpreted literally, it forecasts Babylon’s first conquest of Jerusalem and the deportation of King Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:10-16), calling the nation to recognize the hand of God behind geopolitical events. speak a parable – The parable complements the riddle by offering an earthly story with a spiritual punch, designed both to veil and to reveal (Matthew 13:34-35). – In Ezekiel 17, the parable of the transplanted vine exposes Judah’s breach of covenant with Babylon and, ultimately, with God Himself (Ezekiel 17:11-15; 2 Chronicles 36:13). – Parables serve God’s dual purpose: mercy to the humble who seek understanding and judgment upon the proud who dismiss His word (Isaiah 6:9-10; Mark 4:10-12). to the house of Israel – The direct audience is the covenant community in exile and those remaining in Jerusalem, all accountable to God’s revealed law (Deuteronomy 29:1-4; Amos 3:2). – Though displaced, Israel remains bound to the LORD; exile has not nullified the covenant, only confirmed its consequences (Leviticus 26:33-39; Ezekiel 20:34). – By addressing the “house of Israel,” God includes every tribe and generation, affirming that His word transcends geography and circumstance (Jeremiah 29:4-7; Romans 15:4). summary Ezekiel 17:2 introduces a divine strategy: God calls His prophet, a mere “son of man,” to deliver a riddle and parable to His covenant people. These literary forms both conceal and reveal, demanding humble inquiry while exposing rebellion. The passage sets the stage for a vivid prophecy that interprets current events through God’s unchanging covenant faithfulness, urging Israel—and every reader—to heed His authoritative, trustworthy word. |
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