Ezekiel 17:16
Ezekiel 17:16 in Multiple Translations
‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke.
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
By my life, says the Lord, truly in the place of the king who made him king, whose oath he put on one side and let his agreement with him be broken, even in Babylon he will come to his death.
As I live, declares the Lord God, ‘He is going to die in Babylon, in the country of the king who put him on the throne, whose oath he disregarded and whose agreement he broke.
As I liue, saith the Lord God, he shall die in the middes of Babel, in the place of the King, that had made him King, whose othe he despised, and whose couenant made with him, he brake.
I live — an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, Doth he not — in the place of the king who is causing him to reign, Whose oath he hath despised, And whose covenant he hath broken, With him — in the midst of Babylon — die?
“‘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, even with him in the middle of Babylon he will die.
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he broke, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
As I live, saith the Lord God: In the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he hath made void, and whose covenant he broke, even in the midst of Babylon shall he die.
I, Yahweh the Lord, declare that as surely as I am alive, the King of Judah will die in Babylon, in the city where the King of Babylon appointed him to be the King [MTY] of Judah. He will die because he despised the solemn agreement and refused to do what he promised to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 17:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 17:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חַי
אָ֗נִי
נְאֻם֮
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִה֒
אִם
לֹ֗א
בִּ/מְקוֹם֙
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
הַ/מַּמְלִ֣יךְ
אֹת֔/וֹ
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
בָּזָה֙
אֶת
אָ֣לָת֔/וֹ
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הֵפֵ֖ר
אֶת
בְּרִית֑/וֹ
אִתּ֥/וֹ
בְ/תוֹךְ
בָּבֶ֖ל
יָמֽוּת
חַי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
אָ֗נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
נְאֻם֮
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִה֒
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בִּ/מְקוֹם֙
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הַ/מַּמְלִ֣יךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
Art | V-Hiphil
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בָּזָה֙
bâzâh
H959
to despise
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אָ֣לָת֔/וֹ
ʼâlâh
H423
oath
N-fs | Suff
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Rel
הֵפֵ֖ר
pârar
H6565
to break
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּרִית֑/וֹ
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
N-fs | Suff
אִתּ֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
בְ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
Babylon
N-proper
יָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 17:16
חַי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
אָ֗נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
נְאֻם֮
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִה֒
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בִּ/מְקוֹם֙
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הַ/מַּמְלִ֣יךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
Art | V-Hiphil
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
אֹת֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בָּזָה֙
bâzâh
H959
"to despise"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To despise or hold in contempt, as seen in Proverbs where it warns against despising wisdom. It can also mean to be despised or worthless, as in the case of a vile person.
Definition: 1) to despise, hold in contempt, disdain 1a) (Qal) to despise, regard with contempt 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be despised 1b2) to be despicable 1b3) to be vile, worthless 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to despise Also means: ba.zoh (בָּזֹה "to despise" H0960)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: despise, disdain, contemn(-ptible), [phrase] think to scorn, vile person. See also: Genesis 25:34; Psalms 102:18; Psalms 15:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אָ֣לָת֔/וֹ
ʼâlâh
H423
"oath"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.
Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הֵפֵ֖ר
pârar
H6565
"to break"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּרִית֑/וֹ
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
אִתּ֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
בְ/תוֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בָּבֶ֖ל
Bâbel
H894
"Babylon"
N-proper
Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.
Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates
Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.
יָמֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 17:16
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- Context
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- Ezekiel 17:16 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:16
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- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
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- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:16
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- Sermons on Ezekiel 17:16
Context — The Parable Explained
14so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant.
15But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’
16‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘he will die in Babylon, in the land of the king who enthroned him, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke.
17Pharaoh with his mighty army and vast horde will not help him in battle, when ramps are built and siege walls constructed to destroy many lives. 18He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 12:13 | But I will spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. I will bring him to Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, and there he will die. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 52:11 | Then he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon, where he kept him in custody until his dying day. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 17:18–19 | He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Seeing that he gave his hand in pledge yet did all these things, he will not escape!’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, I will bring down upon his head My oath that he despised and My covenant that he broke. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 16:59 | For this is what the Lord GOD says: I will deal with you according to your deeds, since you have despised the oath by breaking the covenant. |
| 5 | Exodus 8:2 | But if you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 32:4–5 | Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hands of the Chaldeans, but he will surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye. He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will stay until I attend to him, declares the LORD. If you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.’” |
| 7 | Zechariah 5:3–4 | Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed. I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 21:2 | At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) |
| 9 | Psalms 15:4 | who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, |
| 10 | Joshua 9:20 | This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.” |
Ezekiel 17:16 Summary
This verse is saying that the king will die in Babylon because he broke his promise to the king of Babylon and didn't keep his word, which is a serious offense against God, as seen in Ezekiel 17:16. This teaches us the importance of keeping our promises and being faithful to our commitments, just like God is faithful to His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9, Hebrews 11:11). When we break our word, we can face serious consequences, but when we keep our promises, we show that we value honesty and integrity, and we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision (Proverbs 10:9, Psalm 37:3-7). By keeping our covenants and being faithful to our word, we can build strong relationships and trust with others, and we can experience the blessings of God's faithfulness in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the king's death in Babylon?
The king's death in Babylon signifies God's judgment on those who break their covenants and despise their oaths, as seen in Ezekiel 17:16, and is a fulfillment of God's warnings in Deuteronomy 28:20 and Jeremiah 34:18.
Why did the king rebel against Babylon?
The king rebelled against Babylon by seeking help from Egypt, as mentioned in Ezekiel 17:15, which was a violation of his covenant with Babylon, and is a classic example of the folly of trusting in human strength rather than God, as warned in Psalm 20:7 and Isaiah 31:1.
What is the meaning of 'As surely as I live' in this verse?
The phrase 'As surely as I live' is an oath made by God, emphasizing the certainty and gravity of His judgment, similar to Ezekiel 5:11 and Isaiah 49:18, where God swears by His own life to fulfill His promises and execute His judgments.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant-keeping?
This verse highlights the importance of keeping covenants and oaths, as seen in Ezekiel 17:16, and is consistent with the teachings of the Bible, such as in Genesis 31:53 and Hebrews 6:16, which emphasize the sacredness of covenants and the consequences of breaking them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be breaking my own covenants or despising my oaths, and how can I repent and make amends?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on human strength or alliances, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be faithful to my commitments and loyal to my word, as encouraged in Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12?
- How can I apply the lesson of this verse to my own relationships and interactions with others, and what are some ways to cultivate a culture of covenant-keeping and trustworthiness?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:16
[As] I live, saith the Lord God,.... This is the form of an oath, as Kimchi and Ben Melech observe; the Lord swears, in his wrath, by himself, by his life; this shows how much he resented, what
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 17:16
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
As sure as I am God, and live, I will punish this perjury: and here is a particular account of the punishment. In the place; Babylon. The king; Nebuchadnezzar. Made him king; Zedekiah. Whose oath; the oath Nebuchadnezzar imposed. He despised; contemptuously, without any just cause given; and therefore this perfidious prince could never expect more favour, but must in reason fear the greatest severities. Under this fear Zedekiah shall spend the rest of his days. He shall rather be always dying, for though he lived a natural life, yet it was in such sadness, it is more properly styled a dying; in blindness, under the memorial of the most afflictlye sight, the murder of his children, which was the last thing his eye ever beheld.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
Ezekiel 17:16 [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place [where] the king [dwelleth] that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, [even] with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.Ver. 16. As I live.] So surely will I punish perjury and treachery. Histories are full of examples in this kind, and I have elsewhere recited some of them. That of Henry III of France, related by a reverend man, deserves to be memorised: After great differences between him, the Cardinal, and Duke of Guise, he was reconciled unto them, confirmed the reconciliation with many oaths, took the sacrament upon it, and gave himself to the devil, body and soul, in case he meant or should attempt anything against them. Yet, saith the story, he caused the Duke to be killed in his own presence, and the Cardinal, his brother, the next day after. Here was breach of covenant; but did he prosper, escape, do such things, and have deliverance? No; within eight months after, he was slain by a friar in the midst of his army. Mr Greenhill.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
(16) In the place . . . he shall die.—The distinct prophecy of the death of Zedekiah at Babylon is here given in a form to bring out in the strongest light the fitness and justice of his punishment. It was to be in the place of the king to whom he owed his crown, and to whom he had given his fealty, yet against whom he had rebelled. The tense here changes to the future, because the events of this and the following verse were yet to be fulfilled.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
Verse 16. In the midst of Babylon he shall die.] His eyes were put out; he was carried to Babylon, and never returned.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:16
16. Zedekiah, being carried to Babylon, shall die there.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:16
16. In the midst of Babylon he shall die — See Ezekiel 19:9.
Sermons on Ezekiel 17:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Progress of Redemption #06 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm and being faithful to God until the end. He encourages the listeners to have a clear vision of God and the v |
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Mid South Conference 1978-12 Zechariah's Visions by Bob Clark | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's preparation conduct in relation to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to |
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Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte |
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Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It em |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 67 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into Matthew 23, focusing on Jesus' teachings about the Pharisees. It emphasizes the importance of aligning inner beliefs with outward actions, warning against h |
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(Sex, Love & Marriage) 8. by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of preparation for marriage, likening it to the meticulous planning required for a space mission. He advocates for a period of engagement that |
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A Miserable Estate by Christopher Love | Christopher Love preaches about the eight particular properties of a man without Jesus Christ, highlighting how such a person is base, a bondman, beggarly, blind, deformed, discons |