Day 229, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Ezekiel 17–19
Repercussions for Rebellion
We have all made unwise decisions and suffered the consequences. However, rebellion and not heeding instructions can cause serious repercussions. In today’s Bible reading, this is what King Zedekiah of the nation of Judah is about to discover. God will illustrate these things using parables (symbolic stories).
The Parable of the Two Eagles, Branch, and Vine
This parable illustrates what has happened and will happen to Judah and its kings (Ezekiel 17). The first eagle is called a great eagle, and it represents the mighty nation of Babylon. The eagle snatches the topmost branch of the cedar tree. The cedar tree represents David’s palace in Jerusalem (it was made of the cedars of Lebanon), so the topmost branch symbolizes the king and noblemen of Judah (v.12). This includes Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (2Kings 24:11-16; Daniel 1:1-3).The eagle (Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon) snatches the branch and transplants it in Babylon. However, he leaves its seeds in the land of Israel. The seeds are a remnant of the people of Judah, who remain to become a vassal nation. Their newly appointed king, Zedekiah, is forced to make an oath to God that he will be faithful under Babylonian rule.
The seeds become a prosperous but low vine (meaning they are humble with no power). Although the root of the vine (King Zedekiah) is weak and his kingdom is dependent on the protection of the eagle, it (or he) will soon rebel. It will extend its branches toward another powerful eagle (Egypt). This means Zedekiah will be unfaithful to his oath, reaching out to Egypt for help to break his bond with Babylon. But, he will be frustrated and hurt rather than helped.
Because of Zedekiah’s treachery, the vine (Judah) will be uprooted, stripped of its fruit, and wither away by an east wind (Babylon). Soon after that, it will be burned. This will be the fate of King Zedekiah and the people of Jerusalem—they will lose everything, and Jerusalem will be burned.
Here are a couple of lessons for us:
- Let’s be grateful for the grace God has given us and operate within it.
- We do not have to suffer repercussions if we will listen and are obedient.
Hope or No Hope?
Is there no hope for Judah? Yes. There is hope for anyone who in turns away from his sins to God for mercy and forgiveness (Ezekiel 18:30-32, more...).
In the future, God will give hope to the entire nation of Israel. The LORD will take a shoot from the topmost part of the cedar, and he will plant it in the land of Israel. Once again, she will have peace and prosper as a nation. This shoot refers to Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:2), and at other times he is called a “Branch” (Jeremiah 23:5).
King Zedekiah has no hope. For breaking the treaty with Babylon and joining a rebellion with Egypt, his days are numbered. And, he is going to bring the citizens of Jerusalem down with him to the grave.
The Jewish exiles in Babylon are shaking their heads, pitying their relatives in Jerusalem. They are quoting a famous proverb of the day, “The fathers eat the sour grapes, but the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Ezekiel 18:2b; Jeremiah 31:29-39, NIV). In other words, they believe all these bad things are happening to Jerusalem because of the sins of their ancestors.
God says this proverb is not true. Although the sins of the fathers can affect their children for three generations (Exodus 20:5; 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 5:9), it is not valid in every case. The judgment is upon those who hate God.
It is the person (often translated “soul”) who sins who is directly responsible for what he does. An innocent person who acts with justice and righteousness will not suffer punishment from the Almighty. The sentence is upon those who do not and will not repent. This describes Zedekiah and the people remaining in Jerusalem.
A Sad Funeral Song
A funeral dirge, a lament, is already prepared for Zedekiah and his royal officials for the time when Jerusalem falls (Ezekiel 19).
In this sad hymn are two illustrations. The first is that of a lioness (Israel) and her two cubs. One cub (King Jehoahaz) grew up to be a fierce lion. When he was powerful, he was captured and led with hooks (literally in his nose) into captivity in Egypt.
Another cub (Jehoiachin) also grew up to be a fierce lion. He was surrounded, trapped in a net, caged and brought to Babylon, never to return. If these two lion cubs could be captured and caged, what makes Zedekiah, a weak cub, think he can do better?
The second illustration in this funeral dirge is in memory of a mother (representing the nation of Judah). She was likened to a healthy vine in a vineyard, planted by the water. Once, she was fruitful and full of branches (kings), but now she is charred by fire, withered, and ready to be blown away. She cannot produce more branches. Zedekiah will be the last king until the Messiah, Jesus Christ, comes. Will Zedekiah learn the lesson from the sad song? No.
What about us—will we learn the lessons the LORD is teaching us, or will we rebel and suffer repercussions like the Israelites? God has already been gracious and merciful. He challenges his people,
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18:31-32, NIV).
God loves us, too. If we have no relationship with God or are disobedient to him, we have the same challenge: Repent and live! God wants to give us spiritual life and blessings. (more...)
“House of Israel” after Israel’s exile refers to the remaining kingdom of Judah
Discussion
What is a lesson we might learn from the parable of the two eagles, the branch, and the vine?
Is it true that all the things we are suffering are because of the sins of our ancestors? Why or why not?
Funerals are often sad and are sometimes pre-mature because of someone’s actions. What can we learn from them in such circumstances?
Focus Verse
John 15:5 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
End note: Insights on interpretation with these Scriptures are provided by The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, pp.1259-1263)
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Looking Ahead: What is the purpose of Purging? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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