Ezekiel 17
Irwin2 a riddle. See note on Prov. i. 6.
3 a great eagle. Assyria.
Lebanon. An emblem of Jerusalem, as the crowning city of the land.
4 a city of merchants. Babylon; so called on account of its extensive commerce: see Isa. xliii. 14; xlvii. 15.
6 under him. i.e., the king of Babylon; who gave the kingdom of Judah to Zedekiah as his vassal.
7 another great eagle. Egypt.
by the furrows of her plantation. Or, “from the beds where it was planted”: ep. R.V.
8 it was planted. i.e., “And yet it was planted.” The rule of the king of Babylon during the reign of
Zedekiah appears not to have been oppressive, but rather mild and liberal; notwithstanding which, Zedekiah was continually intriguing with Egypt.
9 all the leaves of her spring. Rather, as R.V., “all its fresh springing leaves.”
17 by casting up mounts. Rather, “When they (i.e., the enemy, the Assyrians) shall cast up mounts,” etc.
19. Mins oath that he hath despised. Zedekiah had sworn allegiance to Nebuchadrezzar in the name of the Lord: see 2 Chron. xxxvi. 13.
22. I will also take, etc. The Eternal Himself interposes. Earthly powers had hitherto carried out His purposes regarding Israel. Now He appears to plant the Tree which shall cover the earth with its shade.