The Parables of the Two Eagles are found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 17. These parables are a rich tapestry of symbolism and prophecy, delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. They serve as a divine message to the people of Israel, illustrating the consequences of their actions and the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Context and Background

Ezekiel, a prophet and priest, was among the Jewish exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC. His ministry occurred during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty for the people of Judah, who were grappling with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The parables are part of Ezekiel's broader prophetic message, which includes calls to repentance, warnings of judgment, and promises of restoration.

The Parable Explained

The parable begins with a description of a great eagle with powerful wings and colorful plumage, which represents the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. This eagle comes to Lebanon, a metaphor for Jerusalem, and takes the top of a cedar, symbolizing the removal of King Jehoiachin and the nobility of Judah. The eagle then plants a seed in fertile soil, representing the establishment of Zedekiah as a vassal king in Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 17:3-4 states: "Say, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: A great eagle with great wings, long pinions, and full plumage of many colors came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it away to a land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders.'"

A second eagle, also of great wings, appears in the parable, symbolizing Egypt. The vine, representing the kingdom of Judah under Zedekiah, turns its roots and branches toward this second eagle, seeking support and alliance. This act signifies Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon by seeking military aid from Egypt, contrary to the covenant he had made with Nebuchadnezzar.

Ezekiel 17:7 describes this: "But there was another great eagle with great wings and much plumage. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from the bed where it was planted, that he might water it."

Interpretation and Significance

The parable is a divine indictment against Zedekiah's unfaithfulness and political maneuvering. By breaking his oath to Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah not only defied a human king but also violated a covenant before God. The parable underscores the futility of relying on human alliances instead of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Ezekiel 17:19-20 declares the consequences: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'As surely as I live, I will bring down on his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment upon him there because he was unfaithful to Me.'"

Theological Themes

The Parables of the Two Eagles highlight several key theological themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty: God is portrayed as the ultimate ruler over nations and kings. The parable illustrates that earthly powers are subject to His will and purposes.

2. Covenant Faithfulness: The importance of keeping covenants, both with God and with others, is emphasized. Zedekiah's breach of his oath is seen as a direct affront to God.

3. Judgment and Restoration: While the parable warns of impending judgment due to unfaithfulness, it also contains a promise of hope. God speaks of planting a new cedar, symbolizing the future restoration of Israel under a righteous king from the line of David.

Ezekiel 17:22-23 offers this promise: "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar and plant it. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. I will plant it on Israel’s high mountain, that it may bear branches, produce fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it, taking shelter in the shade of its branches.'"

The Parables of the Two Eagles serve as a profound reminder of God's control over history, the importance of faithfulness, and the hope of redemption through His promises.Ezekiel 17:1
And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Luke.
... Luke certainly did not invent those marvellous parables and discourses ... of the difference
between the two types and ... the Jewish wars and the Roman eagles (Matt.24 ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm

Introduction.
... the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered ... and by the same act, corresponding
to those two terms; it is true that the Lord employed parables, as one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... Thus in chap.17:1-10, the two great eagles are Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh; the ... In
scriptural usage parables are not always distinguished from allegories. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Tuesday --The Day of Controversy.
... And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto them ... came a poor widow, and she
cast in two mites, which ... the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/tuesdaythe day of controversy.htm

Centuries of Meditations
... 3 I will open my mouth in Parables. ... 57 As eagles are drawn by the scent
of a carcase. ... 72 There is in love two strange perfections. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... Where the body is, thither will the eagles also be ... Luke may designate the older of
the two towns which ... should be studied in connection with the parables of the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

Climbing the Mountain
... make it the basis of a set of parables or illustrations ... along it, he will hear you
as on eagles' wings, till ... of Cumberland, we were rained up for two or three ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/climbing the mountain.htm

The Talking Book
... and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword ... you shall mount again as with
the wings of eagles. ... be saved"; how deliciously clear those parables about the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the talking book.htm

The Talking Book
... and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword ... you shall mount again as with
the wings of eagles. ... be saved"; how deliciously clear those parables about the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the talking book.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... of men, but recounted them mystically in parables and dark ... being manifested then,
and the two prophets and ... the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

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