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Ezekiel 17:7

Ezekiel 17:7 in Multiple Translations

But there was another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from its planting bed, so that he might water it.

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend its roots toward him, and shot forth its branches toward him, from the beds of its plantation, that he might water it.

And there was another eagle with great wings and thick feathers: and now this vine, pushing out its roots to him, sent out its branches in his direction from the bed where it was planted, so that he might give it water.

But there was another great eagle that had large wings and many feathers. This vine sent out its roots toward him. It stretched out its branches to him from where it had been planted, wanting him to water it.

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers, and beholde, this vine did turne her rootes toward it, and spred foorth her branches toward it, that she might water it by the trenches of her plantation.

And there is another great eagle, Great-winged, and abounding with feathers, And lo, this vine hath bent its roots toward him, And its thin shoots it hath sent out toward him, To water it from the furrows of its planting,

“‘“There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. Behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, and shot out its branches toward him, from the ground where it was planted, that he might water it.

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and behold, this vine did bend her roots towards him, and shot forth her branches towards him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

And there was another large eagle, with great wings, and many feathers: and behold this vine, bending as it were her roots towards him, stretched forth her branches to him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

But there was another huge eagle that had strong wings and beautiful feathers. And some of the roots of the vine grew toward that eagle, and its branches also turned toward it, hoping that the eagle would bring more water to it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 17:7

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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 17:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֤י נֶֽשֶׁר אֶחָד֙ גָּד֔וֹל גְּד֥וֹל כְּנָפַ֖יִם וְ/רַב נוֹצָ֑ה וְ/הִנֵּה֩ הַ/גֶּ֨פֶן הַ/זֹּ֜את כָּֽפְנָ֧ה שָׁרֳשֶׁ֣י/הָ עָלָ֗י/ו וְ/דָֽלִיּוֹתָי/ו֙ שִׁלְחָה לּ֔/וֹ לְ/הַשְׁק֣וֹת אוֹתָ֔/הּ מֵ/עֲרֻג֖וֹת מַטָּעָֽ/הּ
וַ/יְהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נֶֽשֶׁר nesher H5404 eagle N-ms
אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 one Adj
גָּד֔וֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
גְּד֥וֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
כְּנָפַ֖יִם kânâph H3671 wing N-fd
וְ/רַב rab H7227 many Conj | Adj
נוֹצָ֑ה nôwtsâh H5133 plumage N-fs
וְ/הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part
הַ/גֶּ֨פֶן gephen H1612 vine Art | N-cs
הַ/זֹּ֜את zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron
כָּֽפְנָ֧ה kâphan H3719 to hunger V-Qal-Perf-3fs
שָׁרֳשֶׁ֣י/הָ sheresh H8328 root N-mp | Suff
עָלָ֗י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
וְ/דָֽלִיּוֹתָי/ו֙ dâlîyâh H1808 branch Conj | N-fp | Suff
שִׁלְחָה shâlach H7971 to send V-Piel-Perf-3fs
לּ֔/וֹ Prep | Suff
לְ/הַשְׁק֣וֹת shâqâh H8248 to water Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אוֹתָ֔/הּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
מֵ/עֲרֻג֖וֹת ʻărûwgâh H6170 bed Prep | N-fp
מַטָּעָֽ/הּ maṭṭâʻ H4302 plantation N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 17:7

וַ/יְהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
נֶֽשֶׁר nesher H5404 "eagle" N-ms
An eagle or other large bird of prey, representing strength and agility. In the Bible, eagles are often used to describe God's care and protection, as seen in Psalm 91 and Matthew 24.
Definition: eagle, vulture, griffon-vulture Aramaic equivalent: ne.shar (נְשַׁר "eagle" H5403)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: eagle. See also: Exodus 19:4; Jeremiah 4:13; Psalms 103:5.
אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
גָּד֔וֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
גְּד֥וֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
כְּנָפַ֖יִם kânâph H3671 "wing" N-fd
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
וְ/רַב rab H7227 "many" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
נוֹצָ֑ה nôwtsâh H5133 "plumage" N-fs
This word refers to a bird's feathers or plumage, often used collectively to describe a bird's wings or entire feathered coat. In the Bible, it's used to translate as feathers or ostrich, highlighting the beauty of creation. It's a unique part of a bird's anatomy.
Definition: plumage, feathers
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: feather(-s), ostrich. See also: Leviticus 1:16; Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 17:7.
וְ/הִנֵּה֩ hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
הַ/גֶּ֨פֶן gephen H1612 "vine" Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for vine, often referring to Israel or prosperity, appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's people. It is also used to describe a grapevine. In the Bible, vines are often associated with abundance and fruitfulness.
Definition: 1) vine, vine tree 1a) of Israel (fig.) 1b) of stars fading at Jehovah's judgment (metaph.) 1c) of prosperity
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: vine, tree. See also: Genesis 40:9; Isaiah 24:7; Psalms 78:47.
הַ/זֹּ֜את zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
כָּֽפְנָ֧ה kâphan H3719 "to hunger" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To hunger means to feel a strong need for food, like when the Israelites were hungry in the wilderness. This word is used in the Bible to describe physical hunger. It can also mean to strongly desire something.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to hunger, be hungry, hungrily desire 2) (CLBL) to twist, bend
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bend. See also: Ezekiel 17:7.
שָׁרֳשֶׁ֣י/הָ sheresh H8328 "root" N-mp | Suff
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.
עָלָ֗י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וְ/דָֽלִיּוֹתָי/ו֙ dâlîyâh H1808 "branch" Conj | N-fp | Suff
A branch refers to a part of a tree, like an olive or vine. In the Bible, it symbolizes Israel. The word is used to describe something that is dangling or hanging.
Definition: 1) branch, bough 1a) of Israel (fig.) (used with olive tree, vine, cedar tree)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: branch. See also: Jeremiah 11:16; Ezekiel 19:11; Ezekiel 31:12.
שִׁלְחָה shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Piel-Perf-3fs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לּ֔/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
לְ/הַשְׁק֣וֹת shâqâh H8248 "to water" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
אוֹתָ֔/הּ 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.
מֵ/עֲרֻג֖וֹת ʻărûwgâh H6170 "bed" Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for a garden bed or terrace, often translated as 'bed' or 'furrow', refers to a raised area of land used for planting. It appears in Deuteronomy 22:9 and 1 Samuel 19:13. This word describes a specific type of garden feature.
Definition: garden terrace or bed
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bed, furrow. See also: Song of Solomon 5:13; Ezekiel 17:7; Ezekiel 17:10.
מַטָּעָֽ/הּ maṭṭâʻ H4302 "plantation" N-ms | Suff
Matta refers to a plantation or garden, and can also describe the act of planting something. It is translated as plant or plantation in the Bible. This word is used to describe a place where things are cultivated and grown.
Definition: 1) place or act of planting, planting, plantation 1a) planting place 1b) act of planting 1c) plantation
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: plant(-ation, -ing). See also: Isaiah 60:21; Ezekiel 31:4; Isaiah 61:3.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 17:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 31:4 The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field.
2 Ezekiel 17:15 But 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?’
3 2 Kings 24:20 For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.
4 2 Chronicles 26:13 Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies.
5 Jeremiah 37:5–7 Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 17:7 Summary

[This verse is talking about a vine that is looking for help and nourishment from a powerful eagle, rather than from God, who is its true source of life. This is a warning to us not to put our trust in worldly things, but to seek our strength and security in God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. Just like the vine, we can easily get caught up in seeking help from the world, but God is the one who truly provides for us, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34. By trusting in God, we can find true nourishment and security, and avoid the dangers of seeking help from worldly sources.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the second eagle represent in Ezekiel 17:7?

The second eagle is likely a reference to the Egyptian empire, which was a major world power at the time, as seen in Ezekiel 17:15, and this verse shows the vine's desire to form an alliance with it, much like the Israelites did in Isaiah 31:1-3.

Why does the vine bend its roots towards the second eagle?

The vine bends its roots towards the second eagle because it is seeking protection, nourishment, and strength, just as believers should seek their strength and nourishment from God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 1:3.

Is the vine's action in Ezekiel 17:7 a positive or negative behavior?

The vine's action is a negative behavior, as it is seeking its strength and security from a worldly power rather than from God, who is the true source of life and nourishment, as seen in Ezekiel 17:9 and Deuteronomy 8:7-14.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ezekiel 17?

This verse is part of a larger allegory that warns against Israel's tendency to form alliances with other nations, rather than trusting in God, and it sets the stage for the judgment that will come upon Israel for its unfaithfulness, as seen in Ezekiel 17:19-21 and Jeremiah 2:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, like the vine, may be seeking strength and nourishment from worldly sources rather than from God?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God, like the tree in Jeremiah 17:7-8, and what are the benefits of doing so?
  3. In what ways can I be like the vine, stretching out my branches to God and seeking His nourishment, and what are the potential consequences of not doing so?
  4. How does this verse remind me of the importance of seeking my strength and security in God, rather than in worldly powers or alliances, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:7

There was also another great eagle,.... Hophra king of Egypt, a very powerful prince, whom Herodotus (u) calls Apries; and says he was the most happy and fortunate, after Psammitichus, of all the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 17:7

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:7

This is the second part of the parable. Another great eagle, i.e. the king of Egypt, whether Apries, or Hophra, or what other was his name we need not curiously inquire, it was king of Egypt, . Great wings: see . This vine; Zedekiah, his nobles and people. Did bend her roots towards him; sought the friendship and help of the king of Egypt. Shot forth her branches; sent ambassadors, made a covenant, and trusted to the power of Egypt to defend her branches. That he might water it; that they might add to their greatness and prosperous condition, as trees grow by due and seasonable watering them. By the furrows; alluding to the manner of irrigation used in Egypt, by furrows or trenches to convey the water unto their plantations from the river Nile.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:7

Ezekiel 17:7 There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.Ver. 7. There was also another great eagle,] sc., Pharaoh, another potent monarch; why called an eagle, see on Ezekiel 17:3. And, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him.] Which was the worst chare for herself that ever she did. The devil of discontent put her upon this unhappy project, whereby, instead of mending herself, she soon marred all; so true is that of Solomon, "Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good." Zedekiah little thought once ever to have been a king; Nebuchadnezzar made him so, whenas he might as well have refused him for the rebellions of his two predecessors. He had also dealt nobly with him, though his vassal, and would have defended him against any adverse power, &c., so that he had no reason at all to rebel, but that he was infatuated and besotted by ambition and avarice, which Plutarch finely and fitly calleth νοσηματασυμφυταταιςδυναστειαις, diseases natural to potentates.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:7

(7) Another great eagle.—This is explained in Ezekiel 17:15 of Pharaoh. He was also powerful, ruling a populous land, but is not described as with the variegated feathers of Eze 17:3, because he did not rule over the same diversity of people with Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah, while owing his position to Nebuchadnezzar, treacherously sought the aid of Egypt, as mentioned in Ezekiel 17:15, and more fully in the historical passages referred to in the note at the beginning of this chapter. A chief task of the prophet Jeremiah was to endeavour to dissuade Zedekiah from this Egyptian alliance.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:7

Verse 7. Another great eagle] Pharaoh-hophra, or Apries, king of Egypt. With great wings] Extensive dominion. And many feathers] Numerous subjects. Did bend her roots] Looked to him for support in her intended rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:7

7. The other great eagle, which however is not described with such imposing epithets as the former, is the king of Egypt. The vine bent its roots toward him—sought to draw nourishment from him. by the furrows] Rather: from the beds of its plantation—i.e. where it was planted. The words are connected with “did bend her roots.” The comparative sense: to water it more than the beds, has less probability; though it would express the uneasiness of Zedekiah and his vain political dreams.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 17:7

Another great eagle - This is the king of Egypt, mighty indeed but not like the first.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:7

7. Another great eagle — The king of Egypt. This vine did bend her roots toward him — Zedekiah began to look for nourishment to Egypt, although he had received his crown from Babylon (Ezekiel 17:5;

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