EZEKIEL CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Transcription

1 EZEKIEL CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

2 PROPHET - DATE JONAH ( BC)? JOEL (800BC)? HOSEA ( BC)? MICAH ( BC)? AMOS (784BC)? ISAIAH ( BC)? NAHUM (700BC)? ZEPHANIAH (630BC)? JEREMIAH ( BC)? DANIEL ( BC)? HABAKKUK (598BC)? EZEKIEL ( BC)? OBADIAH ( BC)? EZRA ( BC)? HAGGAI ( BC)? ZECHARIAH ( BC)? ESTHER ( BC)? NEHEMIAH ( BC)? MALACHI ( BC)? KING / EVENT - DATE TIGLATH-PILESER ( BC)? HEZEKIAH (JUDAH) ( BC)? SHALMANESER ( BC)? ISRAEL TAKEN CAPTIVE (722BC)? SENNACHERIB ( BC)? NEBUCHADNEZZAR ( BC)? ZEDEKIAH (JUDAH) ( BC)? JUDAH TAKEN CAPTIVE (586BC)? BELSHAZZAR ( BC)? CYRUS ( BC)? BABYLON DESTROYED (536BC)? DARIUS ( BC)?

3 OUTLINE EZEKIEL CHAPTER SEVENTEEN PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE V PARABLE EXPLAINED V ISRAEL EXALTED V

4 READ: EZEKIEL 17:1-3 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE 1 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 "Son of man, pose a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel, 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch.

5 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:1-3 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 1 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 "Son of man, pose a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel, 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHY SPEAK IN RIDDLES OR PARABLES? WHAT IS THIS RIDDLE (PARABLE) ABOUT? WHO DOES THIS GREAT EAGLE REPRESENT? WHERE DID IT GO? WHAT DID IT DO?

6 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:1-3 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 1 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 "Son of man, pose a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel, 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHAT IS A RIDDLE? A PARABLE? RIDDLE - puzzle - dark saying - hard question - proverb PARABLE - a simile - an adage - byword - proverb

7 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:1-2 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 1 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 "Son of man, pose a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel, WHAT IS A RIDDLE? RIDDLE - puzzle - dark saying - hard question - proverb WHAT IS A PARABLE? PARABLE - a simile - an adage - byword - proverb WHAT IS THIS RIDDLE & PARABLE ABOUT? THE EAGLES & THE VINE REMEMBER SAMSON S RIDDLE READ: JUDGES 14:12-18

8 REMEMBER SAMSON S RIDDLE READ: JUDGES 14: Then Samson said to them, "Let me pose a riddle to you. If you can correctly solve and explain it to me within the seven days of the feast, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing. 13 But if you cannot explain it to me, then you shall give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing. And they said to him, "Pose your riddle, that we may hear it." 14 So he said to them: "Out of the eater came something to eat, And out of the strong came something sweet. Now for three days they could not explain the riddle.

9 REMEMBER SAMSON S RIDDLE READ: JUDGES 14: But it came to pass on the seventh day that they said to Samson's wife, "Entice your husband, that he may explain the riddle to us, or else we will burn you and your father's house with fire. Have you invited us in order to take what is ours? Is that not so?" 16 Then Samson's wife wept on him, and said, "You only hate me! You do not love me! You have posed a riddle to the sons of my people, but you have not explained it to me. And he said to her, "Look, I have not explained it to my father or my mother; so should I explain it to you?"

10 REMEMBER SAMSON S RIDDLE READ: JUDGES 14: Now she had wept on him the seven days while their feast lasted. And it happened on the seventh day that he told her, because she pressed him so much. Then she explained the riddle to the sons of her people. 18 So the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down: "What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion? And he said to them: "If you had not plowed with my heifer, You would not have solved my riddle!"

11 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHAT IS THIS PARABLE ABOUT? WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? WHAT DID HE DO? DID THE LORD WARN THEM ABOUT THIS? READ: DEUTERONOMY 28: The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which does not respect the elderly nor show favor to the young. NKJV

12 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHAT IS THIS PARABLE ABOUT? WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? WHAT DID HE DO? WHY? READ: HOSEA 8:1 1 "Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of the LORD, Because they have transgressed My covenant And rebelled against My law. NKJV

13 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? WHAT DID HE DO? READ: 2 CHRONICLES 36: Jehoiachin was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD. 10 At the turn of the year King Nebuchadnezzar summoned him and took him to Babylon, with the costly articles from the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah, Jehoiakim's brother, king over Judah and Jerusalem. (2 KINGS 24:8-9)

14 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? WHAT DID HE DO? READ: 2 KINGS 24: Then Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his princes, and his officers went out to the king of Babylon; and the king of Babylon, in the eighth year of his reign, took him prisoner. 13 And he carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king's house, and he cut in pieces all the articles of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.

15 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? WHAT DID HE DO? READ: JEREMIAH 48:40 40 For thus says the LORD: "Behold, one shall fly like an eagle, And spread his wings over Moab. NKJV READ: JEREMIAH 49:22 22 Behold, He shall come up and fly like the eagle, And spread His wings over Bozrah; The heart of the mighty men of Edom in that day shall be Like the heart of a woman in birth pangs. NKJV

16 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHAT IS THIS PARABLE ABOUT? WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? REMEMBER DANIEL S VISION: READ: DANIEL 7:2-4

17 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? READ: DANIEL 7:2-4 2 Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it. WHAT DID DANIEL SEE? WHAT WAS THE FIRST BEAST LIKE? The first was like a lion and had eagle's wings WHO DID IT REPRESENT? NEBUCHADNEZZAR?

18 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:3 3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "A great eagle with large wings and long pinions, Full of feathers of various colors, Came to Lebanon And took from the cedar the highest branch. WHAT IS THIS PARABLE ABOUT? WHO IS THIS GREAT EAGLE? THE CHALDEANS & NEBUCHADNEZZAR? WHAT DID THE LORD LIKEN LEBANON TO? READ: JEREMIAH 22:23 23 O inhabitant of Lebanon, Making your nest in the cedars, How gracious will you be when pangs come upon you, Like the pain of a woman in labor? NKJV

19 READ: EZEKIEL 17:4-6 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 4 He cropped off its topmost young twig And carried it to a land of trade; He set it in a city of merchants. 5 Then he took some of the seed of the land And planted it in a fertile field; He placed it by abundant waters And set it like a willow tree. 6 And it grew and became a spreading vine of low stature; Its branches turned toward him, But its roots were under it. So it became a vine, Brought forth branches, And put forth shoots.

20 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:4-6 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 4 He cropped off its topmost young twig And carried it to a land of trade; He set it in a city of merchants. 5 Then he took some of the seed of the land And planted it in a fertile field; He placed it by abundant waters And set it like a willow tree. 6 And it grew and became a spreading vine of low stature; Its branches turned toward him, But its roots were under it. So it became a vine, Brought forth branches, And put forth shoots. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO LEBANON? WHERE DID NEBUCHADNEZZAR TAKE THEM? WHAT DID HE DO WITH THE SEED?

21 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:4 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 4 He cropped off its topmost young twig And carried it to a land of trade; He set it in a city of merchants. WHAT WILL HAPPENED TO LEBANON? READ: ISAIAH 10: Behold, the Lord, The LORD of hosts, Will lop off the bough with terror; Those of high stature will be hewn down, And the haughty will be humbled. 34 He will cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, And Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One. NKJV

22 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:4 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 4 He cropped off its topmost young twig And carried it to a land of trade; He set it in a city of merchants. WHERE DID NEBUCHADNEZZAR TAKE THEM? READ: 2 KINGS 24: And he carried Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. The king's mother, the king's wives, his officers, and the mighty of the land he carried into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. 16 All the valiant men, seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths, one thousand, all who were strong and fit for war, these the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. NKJV

23 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:5 5 Then he took some of the seed of the land And planted it in a fertile field; He placed it by abundant waters And set it like a willow tree. WHAT DID THE LORD DO? READ: PSALMS 80: You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it. 9 You prepared room for it, And caused it to take deep root, And it filled the land. 10 The hills were covered with its shadow, And the mighty cedars with its boughs. 11 She sent out her boughs to the Sea, And her branches to the River. NKJV

24 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:5 5 Then he took some of the seed of the land And planted it in a fertile field; He placed it by abundant waters And set it like a willow tree. WHAT DID NEBUCHADNEZZAR DO WITH THE SEED? READ: 2 KINGS 24:17 17 Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's uncle, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah. NKJV READ: 2 CHRONICLES 36:10 10 At the turn of the year King Nebuchadnezzar summoned him and took him to Babylon, with the costly articles from the house of the LORD, and made Zedekiah, Jehoiakim's brother, king over Judah and Jerusalem.

25 READ: EZEKIEL 17:7-8 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 7 "But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, And stretched its branches toward him, From the garden terrace where it had been planted, That he might water it. 8 It was planted in good soil by many waters, To bring forth branches, bear fruit, And become a majestic vine."'

26 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:7-8 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 7 "But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, And stretched its branches toward him, From the garden terrace where it had been planted, That he might water it. 8 It was planted in good soil by many waters, To bring forth branches, bear fruit, And become a majestic vine."' WHO IS THIS SECOND EAGLE? EGYPT & PHARAOH? WHO IS THE VINE? JUDAH? WHAT DID THE VINE DO? WHAT HAPPENED TO EGYPT & JUDAH?

27 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:7 7 "But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; WHO IS THIS SECOND EAGLE? EGYPT & PHARAOH? WHO IS THE VINE? JUDAH? WHAT DID KING OF JUDAH DO? WHAT OATH DID THE KING OF JUDAH MAKE? READ: 2 CHRONICLES 36: He did evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD. 13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel. (2 KINGS 24:19-20 JEREMIAH 52:2-3)

28 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:7 7 "But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, And stretched its branches toward him, From the garden terrace where it had been planted, That he might water it. WHO IS THIS SECOND EAGLE? EGYPT & PHARAOH? WHO IS THE VINE? JUDAH? WHO DID THE KING OF JUDAH TURN TO? READ: JEREMIAH 37:5 5 Then Pharaoh's army came up from Egypt; and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard news of them, they departed from Jerusalem.

29 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:7 7 "But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, And stretched its branches toward him, From the garden terrace where it had been planted, That he might water it. WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS? READ: JEREMIAH 37:5-9 6 Then the word of the LORD came to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, 7 "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Thus you shall say to the king of Judah, who sent you to Me to inquire of Me: "Behold, Pharaoh's army which has come up to help you will return to Egypt, to their own land. 8 And the Chaldeans shall come back and fight against this city, and take it and burn it with fire."' NKJV

30 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:7 7 "But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, And stretched its branches toward him, From the garden terrace where it had been planted, That he might water it. WHAT HAPPENED TO EGYPT? READ: 2 KINGS 24:7 7 And the king of Egypt did not come out of his land anymore, for the king of Babylon had taken all that belonged to the king of Egypt from the Brook of Egypt to the River Euphrates. NKJV

31 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:7 7 "But there was another great eagle with large wings and many feathers; And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, And stretched its branches toward him, From the garden terrace where it had been planted, That he might water it. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VINE? (JUDAH)? READ: ISAIAH 8:5-8 7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord brings up over them The waters of the River, strong and mighty The king of Assyria and all his glory; He will go up over all his channels And go over all his banks. 8 He will pass through Judah, He will overflow and pass over, He will reach up to the neck; And the stretching out of his wings Will fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel. NKJV

32 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:7-8 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 8 It was planted in good soil by many waters, To bring forth branches, bear fruit, And become a majestic vine."' WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VINE? (JUDAH)? READ: MALACHI 4:1-3 1 "For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up, Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves. 3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this, Says the LORD of hosts. NKJV

33 READ: EZEKIEL 17:9-10 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 9 "Say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots, Cut off its fruit, And leave it to wither? All of its spring leaves will wither, And no great power or many people Will be needed to pluck it up by its roots. 10 Behold, it is planted, Will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it? It will wither in the garden terrace where it grew."'"

34 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:9-10 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES AND THE VINE 9 "Say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots, Cut off its fruit, And leave it to wither? All of its spring leaves will wither, And no great power or many people Will be needed to pluck it up by its roots. 10 Behold, it is planted, Will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it? It will wither in the garden terrace where it grew."'" WHO IS THE LORD SPEAKING TO? JUDAH? WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS VINE? WILL JUDAH THRIVE? WHY NOT?

35 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17: "Say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Will it thrive? Will he not pull up its roots, Cut off its fruit, And leave it to wither? All of its spring leaves will wither, And no great power or many people Will be needed to pluck it up by its roots. 10 Behold, it is planted, Will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it? It will wither in the garden terrace where it grew."'" WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS VINE? WILL JUDAH THRIVE? WHY NOT? READ: JEREMIAH 37:10 10 For though you had defeated the whole army of the Chaldeans who fight against you, and there remained only wounded men among them, they would rise up, every man in his tent, and burn the city with fire.'" NKJV

36 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:10 10 Behold, it is planted, Will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it? It will wither in the garden terrace where it grew."'" WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS VINE? Will it thrive? HOW WILL JUDAH THRIVE? READ: JEREMIAH 42: 'If you will still remain in this land, then I will build you and not pull you down, and I will plant you and not pluck you up. For I relent concerning the disaster that I have brought upon you. 11 Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not be afraid of him,' says the LORD, 'for I am with you, to save you and deliver you from his hand. NKJV

37 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:10 WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS VINE? WILL JUDAH THRIVE? WHY NOT? READ: HOSEA 12:1-2 1 "Ephraim feeds on the wind, And pursues the east wind; He daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, And oil is carried to Egypt. 2 "The LORD also brings a charge against Judah, And will punish Jacob according to his ways; According to his deeds He will recompense him. NKJV READ: HOSEA 13:15 15 Though he is fruitful among his brethren, An east wind shall come; The wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness. Then his spring shall become dry, And his fountain shall be dried up. NKJV

38 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:10 10 Behold, it is planted, Will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it? It will wither in the garden terrace where it grew."'" WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS VINE? Will it thrive? WILL JUDAH THRIVE? WHY NOT? READ: AMOS 2: "Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, Whose height was like the height of the cedars, And he was as strong as the oaks; Yet I destroyed his fruit above And his roots beneath. 10 Also it was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt, And led you forty years through the wilderness, To possess the land of the Amorite. 11 I raised up some of your sons as prophets, And some of your young men as Nazirites. Is it not so, O you children of Israel? Says the LORD.

39 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:10 WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS VINE? Will it thrive? WILL JUDAH THRIVE? WHY NOT? READ: AMOS 2: 'But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, And commanded the prophets saying, 'Do not prophesy!' 13 "Behold, I am weighed down by you, As a cart full of sheaves is weighed down. 14 Therefore flight shall perish from the swift, The strong shall not strengthen his power, Nor shall the mighty deliver himself; 15 He shall not stand who handles the bow, The swift of foot shall not escape, Nor shall he who rides a horse deliver himself. 16 The most courageous men of might Shall flee naked in that day, Says the LORD. NKJV

40 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:10 WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS VINE? WILL JUDAH THRIVE? WHY NOT? WHAT HAPPENED TO ZEDEKIAH? READ: JEREMIAH 52: But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and they overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho. All his army was scattered from him. 9 So they took the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, and he pronounced judgment on him. 10 Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. And he killed all the princes of Judah in Riblah. 11 He also put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in bronze fetters, took him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

41 READ: EZEKIEL 17:11-14 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 11 Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12 "Say now to the rebellious house: 'Do you not know what these things mean?' Tell them, 'Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon. 13 And he took the king's offspring, made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He also took away the mighty of the land, 14 that the kingdom might be brought low and not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand.

42 READ: EZEKIEL 17: But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and many people. Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and still be delivered? 16 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. 17 Nor will Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company do anything in the war, when they heap up a siege mound and build a wall to cut off many persons. 18 Since he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and in fact gave his hand and still did all these things, he shall not escape.'"

43 READ: EZEKIEL 17:19-21 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 19 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense on his own head. 20 I will spread My net over him, and he shall be taken in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and try him there for the treason which he committed against Me. 21 All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken."

44 READ: EZEKIEL 17:11-12 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 11 Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12 "Say now to the rebellious house: 'Do you not know what these things mean?' Tell them, 'Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon.

45 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:12 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 11 Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 12 "Say now to the rebellious house: 'Do you not know what these things mean?' Tell them, 'Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon. WHAT DID THE LORD ASK THEM? 'Do you not know what these things mean?' WHAT DID THE LORD SAY IT MEANT? 'Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon.

46 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:12 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 12 "Say now to the rebellious house: 'Do you not know what these things mean?' Tell them, 'Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon. WHAT DID THE KING OF BABYLON DO? READ: 2 KINGS 24: And he carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king's house, and he cut in pieces all the articles of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. 14 Also he carried into captivity all Jerusalem: all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None remained except the poorest people of the land.

47 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:12 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 12 "Say now to the rebellious house: 'Do you not know what these things mean?' Tell them, 'Indeed the king of Babylon went to Jerusalem and took its king and princes, and led them with him to Babylon. WHAT DID THE KING OF BABYLON DO? READ: 2 KINGS 24: And he carried Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. The king's mother, the king's wives, his officers, and the mighty of the land he carried into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. 16 All the valiant men, seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths, one thousand, all who were strong and fit for war, these the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. NKJV

48 READ: EZEKIEL 17:13-15 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 13 And he took the king's offspring, made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He also took away the mighty of the land, 14 that the kingdom might be brought low and not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand. 15 But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and many people. Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and still be delivered?

49 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17: And he took the king's offspring, made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He also took away the mighty of the land, 14 that the kingdom might be brought low and not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand. 15 But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and many people. Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and still be delivered? WHAT DID THE KING OF JUDAH DO? WHAT DID THE KING OF BABYLON DO? DID THE KING OF JUDAH KEEP THE COVENANT? WHAT DID THE LORD DO ABOUT THIS?

50 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:13 13 And he took the king's offspring, made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He also took away the mighty of the land, WHAT DID THE KING OF JUDAH DO? WHAT DID THE LORD COMMAND ISRAEL? READ: EXODUS 23:32 32 You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. NKJV

51 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:13 13 And he took the king's offspring, made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He also took away the mighty of the land, WHAT DID THE KING OF JUDAH DO? READ: 2 CHRONICLES 36:13 13 He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel. WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT THIS? READ: JEREMIAH 17:1 1 "The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; With the point of a diamond it is engraved On the tablet of their heart, And on the horns of your altars, NKJV

52 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17: And he took the king's offspring, made a covenant with him, and put him under oath. He also took away the mighty of the land, 14 that the kingdom might be brought low and not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand. WHAT DID THE LORD DO ABOUT THIS? WHY? READ: ISAIAH 3:1-3 1 For behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, Takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah The stock and the store, The whole supply of bread and the whole supply of water; 2 The mighty man and the man of war, The judge and the prophet, And the diviner and the elder; 3 The captain of fifty and the honorable man, The counselor and the skillful artisan, And the expert enchanter. NKJV

53 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:15 15 But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and many people. Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and still be delivered? DID THE KING OF JUDAH DO? WHY DID HE TURN TO EGYPT? WHAT DID THE LORD COMMAND ISRAEL? READ: DEUTERONOMY 17:16 16 But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, 'You shall not return that way again. NKJV

54 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:15 15 But he rebelled against him by sending his ambassadors to Egypt, that they might give him horses and many people. DID THE KING OF JUDAH DO? WHAT DID THE LORD DO? READ: 2 KINGS 24: Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 19 He also did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 20 For because of the anger of the LORD this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, that He finally cast them out from His presence. Then Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. NKJV

55 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:15 DID THE LORD WARN ISRAEL ABOUT THIS? READ: ISAIAH 31:1-3 1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD! 2 Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster, And will not call back His words, But will arise against the house of evildoers, And against the help of those who work iniquity. 3 Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, Both he who helps will fall, And he who is helped will fall down; They all will perish together. NKJV WHO SHOULD THEY HAVE LOOKED TO?

56 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:15 Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and still be delivered? WHAT DID THE LORD SAY TO THE HOUSE OF JUDAH? READ: ISAIAH 30:1-3 1 "Woe to the rebellious children," says the LORD, "Who take counsel, but not of Me, And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, That they may add sin to sin; 2 Who walk to go down to Egypt, And have not asked My advice, To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, And to trust in the shadow of Egypt! 3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh Shall be your shame, And trust in the shadow of Egypt Shall be your humiliation. NKJV 5 They were all ashamed of a people who could not benefit them, Or be help or benefit, But a shame and also a reproach." NKJV

57 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:15 Will he prosper? Will he who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and still be delivered? WHAT DID THE LORD SAY TO THE HOUSE OF JUDAH? READ: JEREMIAH 34:3 3 And you shall not escape from his hand, but shall surely be taken and delivered into his hand; your eyes shall see the eyes of the king of Babylon, he shall speak with you face to face, and you shall go to Babylon.'"' READ: JEREMIAH 38:18 18 If you do not surrender to the king of Babylon's princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.'" NKJV

58 READ: EZEKIEL 17:16-18 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 16 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. 17 Nor will Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company do anything in the war, when they heap up a siege mound and build a wall to cut off many persons. 18 Since he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and in fact gave his hand and still did all these things, he shall not escape.'"

59 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:16-18 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 16 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. 17 Nor will Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company do anything in the war, when they heap up a siege mound and build a wall to cut off many persons. 18 Since he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and in fact gave his hand and still did all these things, he shall not escape.'"

60 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:16 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 16 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT ZEDEKIAH? WHY? READ: EZEKIEL 12:13 13 I will also spread My net over him, and he shall be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans; yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there. NKJV

61 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:16 WHAT DID ZEDEKIAH DO TO JEREMIAH? WHY? READ: JEREMIAH 32:3-5 3 For Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, "Why do you prophesy and say, 'Thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it; 4 and Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape from the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him face to face, and see him eye to eye; 5 then he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and there he shall be until I visit him," says the LORD; "though you fight with the Chaldeans, you shall not succeed"'?" NKJV

62 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:16 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 16 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. WHAT DID THE LORD TELL JEREMIAH TO DO? READ: JEREMIAH 34:2-3 2 "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: 'Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah and tell him, "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire. 3 And you shall not escape from his hand, but shall surely be taken and delivered into his hand; your eyes shall see the eyes of the king of Babylon, he shall speak with you face to face, and you shall go to Babylon.'"'

63 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:16 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 16 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. WHAT HAPPENED TO ZEDEKIAH? READ: JEREMIAH 52: Then the king of Babylon killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. And he killed all the princes of Judah in Riblah. 11 He also put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him in bronze fetters, took him to Babylon, and put him in prison till the day of his death.

64 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17-18 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 17 Nor will Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company do anything in the war, when they heap up a siege mound and build a wall to cut off many persons. 18 Since he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and in fact gave his hand and still did all these things, he shall not escape.'" WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT PHARAOH? WHY IS THE LORD DOING THIS TO JUDAH?

65 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17 17 Nor will Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company do anything in the war, when they heap up a siege mound and build a wall to cut off many persons. WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT PHARAOH? WHAT DID THE KING OF ASSYRIA SAY TO HEZEKIAH? READ: ISAIAH 36:4-6 4 Then the Rabshakeh said to them, "Say now to Hezekiah, 'Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: "What confidence is this in which you trust? 5 I say you speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? 6 Look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. NKJV

66 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17 WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT PHARAOH? READ: JEREMIAH 37: "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Thus you shall say to the king of Judah, who sent you to Me to inquire of Me: "Behold, Pharaoh's army which has come up to help you will return to Egypt, to their own land. 8 And the Chaldeans shall come back and fight against this city, and take it and burn it with fire."' 9 Thus says the LORD: 'Do not deceive yourselves, saying, "The Chaldeans will surely depart from us," for they will not depart. 10 For though you had defeated the whole army of the Chaldeans who fight against you, and there remained only wounded men among them, they would rise up, every man in his tent, and burn the city with fire.'" NKJV

67 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17 17 Nor will Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company do anything in the war, when they heap up a siege mound and build a wall to cut off many persons. WHAT DID THE LORD SAY ABOUT PHARAOH? READ: JEREMIAH 44:30 30 "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies and into the hand of those who seek his life, as I gave Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, his enemy who sought his life.'" NKJV the city with fire.'" NKJV

68 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17 WHAT DID NEBUCHADNEZZAR DO TO JERUSALEM? READ: JEREMIAH 52:4-7 4 Now it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and encamped against it; and they built a siege wall against it all around. 5 So the city was besieged until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 6 By the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, the famine had become so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. 7 Then the city wall was broken through, and all the men of war fled and went out of the city at night by way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king's garden, even though the Chaldeans were near the city all around. And they went by way of the plain. NKJV

69 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17 REMEMBER WHAT THE LORD TOLD EZEKIEL EARLIER: READ: EZEKIEL 4:1-3 1 "You also, son of man, take a clay tablet and lay it before you, and portray on it a city, Jerusalem. 2 Lay siege against it, build a siege wall against it, and heap up a mound against it; set camps against it also, and place battering rams against it all around. 3 Moreover take for yourself an iron plate, and set it as an iron wall between you and the city. Set your face against it, and it shall be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel.

70 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 17 Nor will Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company do anything in the war, when they heap up a siege mound and build a wall to cut off many persons. WHY IS THE LORD DOING THIS? READ: EZEKIEL 29:6-7 6 "Then all the inhabitants of Egypt Shall know that I am the LORD, Because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. 7 When they took hold of you with the hand, You broke and tore all their shoulders; When they leaned on you, You broke and made all their backs quiver." NKJV

71 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:17 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 18 Since he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, and in fact gave his hand and still did all these things, he shall not escape.'" WHY IS THE LORD DOING THIS TO JUDAH? HOW DID JUDAH RESPOND TO THIS? READ: LAMENTATIONS 5:6-7 6 We have given our hand to the Egyptians And the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. 7 Our fathers sinned and are no more, But we bear their iniquities. NKJV

72 READ: EZEKIEL 17:19-21 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 19 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense on his own head. 20 I will spread My net over him, and he shall be taken in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and try him there for the treason which he committed against Me. 21 All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken."

73 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:19-21 PARABLE OF THE EAGLES & THE VINE EXPLAINED 19 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense on his own head. 20 I will spread My net over him, and he shall be taken in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and try him there for the treason which he committed against Me. 21 All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken." WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY?

74 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:19 19 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense on his own head. WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? READ: PSALMS 7:14-16 WHY? 14 Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His trouble shall return upon his own head, And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.

75 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:19 19 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense on his own head. WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? READ: EZEKIEL 16: You have paid for your lewdness and your abominations," says the LORD. 59 For thus says the Lord GOD: "I will deal with you as you have done, who despised the oath by breaking the covenant. NKJV

76 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:19 WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? READ: JEREMIAH 7: "Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9 Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, 10 and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, 'We are delivered to do all these abominations'? 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it," says the LORD. NKJV

77 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:19 19 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "As I live, surely My oath which he despised, and My covenant which he broke, I will recompense on his own head. WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? READ: HOSEA 10:4 4 They have spoken words, Swearing falsely in making a covenant. Thus judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field. NKJV

78 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:20 20 I will spread My net over him, and he shall be taken in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and try him there for the treason which he committed against Me. WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? READ: JEREMIAH 2:35 35 Yet you say, 'Because I am innocent, Surely His anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead My case against you, Because you say, 'I have not sinned.' NKJV

79 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:20 20 I will spread My net over him, and he shall be taken in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon and try him there for the treason which he committed against Me. WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? READ: EZEKIEL 12:13 13 I will also spread My net over him, and he shall be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans; yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there. NKJV

80 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:21 21 All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken." WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? READ: EZEKIEL 12:14 14 I will scatter to every wind all who are around him to help him, and all his troops; and I will draw out the sword after them. NKJV

81 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:21 21 All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken." WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? DID THE LORD WARN THEM ABOUT THIS? READ: LEVITICUS 26:33 33 I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste. NKJV

82 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:21 21 All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken." WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? WHAT HAPPENED TO KING ZEDEKIAH & HIS ARMY? READ: 2 KINGS 25:5 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and they overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his army was scattered from him. NKJV

83 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17: All his fugitives with all his troops shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken." WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? WHY? WHAT DID THE LORD SAY TO THE NATIONS? READ: JEREMIAH 27:8 8 And it shall be, that the nation and kingdom which will not serve Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and which will not put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation I will punish,' says the LORD, 'with the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand. NKJV

84 READ: EZEKIEL 17:22-24 ISRAEL EXALTED AT LAST 22 Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. 23 On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell. 24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the green tree and made the dry tree flourish; I, the LORD, have spoken and have done it."

85 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:22-24 ISRAEL EXALTED AT LAST 22 Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. 23 On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell. 24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the green tree and made the dry tree flourish; I, the LORD, have spoken and have done it."

86 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:22 ISRAEL EXALTED AT LAST 22 Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. WHAT IS THIS BRANCH? WHAT WILL THE LORD DO WITH IT? READ: 2 KINGS 19: And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward. 31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, And those who escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.' NKJV

87 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:22 ISRAEL EXALTED AT LAST 22 Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. WHAT IS THIS BRANCH? READ: ISAIAH 2:2 2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD S house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. NKJV

88 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:22 ISRAEL EXALTED AT LAST 22 Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. WHAT IS THIS BRANCH? READ: ISAIAH 4:2 2 In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing For those of Israel who have escaped. NKJV

89 QUESTIONS: EZEKIEL 17:22 22 Thus says the Lord GOD: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. WHAT IS THIS BRANCH? READ: ISAIAH 11:1-2; 10 1 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. 10 "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious." NKJV