He took some of the seed of the land and planted it in fertile soil; he placed it by abundant waters and set it out like a willow.
Zedekiah is the seed planted here, and his condition under Nebuchadnezzar was tolerable, he kept his royal name and wealth, though tributary. But the Prophet means to show his ingratitude: not content with this moderate constraint, he perfidiously revolted, relying on false hope.
AI summary
God uses riddles and parables not to obscure His mind but to command attention and stay in memory; what He hides in a familiar dress insinuates itself deeper into careless minds. Ministers must study acceptable words and find varied methods, lest the pulpit and life speak two different languages.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 17:1-21
Zedekiah's kingdom flourished but as a low spreading vine, not the cedar it had been, a vine dependent on something else, humble and tributary to Babylon. His branches turned to Nebuchadnezzar, his roots settled under his power, yet he brought forth many children, prospects of succession and continuation.
AI summary