It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
Zedekiah's rebellion was ingratitude of the sharpest kind. Nebuchadnezzar had raised him from nothing to a throne, treated him humanely, and would have stood by him in trouble; yet he cast off his vow. The vine was planted in good soil and watered abundantly, given every advantage to flourish. His revolt was therefore inexcusable.
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
Shall such conduct prosper? History shows that men guilty of treachery and vain confidence never succeed. Nebuchadnezzar will uproot this vine entirely, cut off its fruit, wither it, not in autumn as leaves naturally do, but in spring when all seemed secure. That is the mark of ruin.
AI summary