Ezekiel 17:9

So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Will it flourish? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels? All its foliage will wither! It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots.

Study Bible

So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the role of the prophet as a messenger of God. Ezekiel is tasked with delivering God's message to the people, underscoring the divine authority behind the prophecy. This reflects the biblical theme of God communicating His will through chosen individuals, as seen with other prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Will it flourish?
This rhetorical question challenges the expectations of prosperity for the vine, symbolizing the kingdom of Judah. The imagery of flourishing is often used in Scripture to denote blessing and growth, as seen in Psalm 1:3. Here, it questions the false hope of success without God's favor.

Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels?
The imagery of uprooting and stripping fruit signifies judgment and destruction. In the context of Ezekiel, this refers to the impending downfall of Judah due to its rebellion against God. The vine's shriveling represents the loss of vitality and prosperity, akin to the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience.

All its foliage will wither!
Withering foliage symbolizes the complete desolation and loss of life. This reflects the consequences of turning away from God, as seen in the withering fig tree in Mark 11:20-21, which Jesus uses as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness.

It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots.
This phrase highlights the ease with which God can execute judgment. Despite human efforts to secure their own strength and alliances, as Judah did with Egypt, divine intervention requires neither a large force nor great effort. This echoes the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and power, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:6, where Jonathan acknowledges that the Lord can save "by many or by few."

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the mouthpiece of God, delivering messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel, emphasizing His control over nations and their destinies.

3. The Vine
Symbolic of the kingdom of Judah, which is under judgment for its unfaithfulness and political alliances contrary to God's will.

4. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and took its people into exile, representing God's instrument of judgment.

5. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who broke his covenant with Babylon, leading to the kingdom's downfall.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of nations and their leaders. He can uproot and plant according to His will. We must trust in His sovereign plans rather than our own understanding.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Just as the vine withers due to unfaithfulness, our spiritual lives can suffer when we turn away from God. Faithfulness to God is crucial for spiritual vitality.

The Importance of Covenant
Breaking covenants, whether with God or others, leads to consequences. We are called to be people of integrity, honoring our commitments.

Dependence on God
The imagery of the vine reminds us that our strength and ability to thrive come from God. We must remain connected to Him to bear fruit.

Judgment and Hope
While this passage speaks of judgment, it also points to the hope of restoration for those who return to God. Repentance and faithfulness can lead to renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the vine in Ezekiel 17:9 relate to the concept of spiritual fruitfulness in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to His control over the nations in Ezekiel's time?

3. Reflect on a time when breaking a commitment led to negative consequences. How can this passage guide us in maintaining our commitments?

4. How does the concept of being "uprooted" apply to our personal spiritual lives, and what steps can we take to remain firmly planted in God?

5. Considering the hope of restoration in the broader context of Ezekiel, how can we apply this hope to situations of personal or communal failure?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 2:21
This verse also uses the imagery of a vine to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, highlighting the nation's failure to live up to its calling.

John 15:1-6
Jesus uses the vine metaphor to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers, emphasizing the importance of remaining in Him to bear fruit.

Isaiah 5:1-7
The Song of the Vineyard, where God laments over Israel's failure to produce good fruit despite His care and provision.