The Parable of the Eagles
Open Your Bible
Ezekiel 17:1-24, Matthew 11:20-30, Matthew 13:24-30
BY Seana Scott
My husband insisted we live in student housing during graduate school. I envisioned myself squeezed in a one-bedroom with a growing family, schlepping milk gallons from the parking lot with a cranky toddler, trading our fenced back yard for a common area. Nope. I was not happy about living in a too-tight-for-my-comfort community.
So, I understand slightly the rebellion in Zedekiah’s heart in Ezekiel 17. The king of Babylon strategically ruled. He exported Judah’s top leadership and priests to Babylon (Ezekiel 17:4), and installed a puppet king, Zedekiah, to oversee the land. He also left some people to live in humble peace and thrive like seeds planted in a fertile field by abundant water (v.5). The vine (Israel) turned its branches toward Babylon (the earthly ruler) and started flourishing (vv.6,8).
But Zedekiah wanted to rule on his own terms. So instead of learning to thrive in the boundaries and position established by God through the Babylonian king (Ezekiel 17:19,24), Zedekiah reached out to the Egyptians to support him in a revolt (Ezekiel 17:7,15).
But what Zedekiah failed to realize was God orchestrated the humiliation of Judah for their rebellion in the first place. The deportations of Judah to Babylon were God’s judgment for their idolatrous ways. God is the One who exalts and the One who humbles (Matthew 11:23). God is the One who causes green trees to wither, and withered trees thrive (Ezekiel 17:24). How would Zedekiah’s rebellion to break the covenant between the nations turn out any differently?
It didn’t.
When a treaty was enacted between two nations, it was signed under oath to the respective deities. So, if someone broke the treaty, they also violated their commitment to their own god(s). Zedekiah broke the treaty with Babylon, so he also invited the retribution of the Lord. God took Zedekiah to Babylon and exacted judgment on him for the betrayal (v.20).
But God is not done with Israel or the nations at this point. Ezekiel also prophesied that one day, there will be a planting by the Lord on Israel’s high mountains (vv.22–24)—the Messianic rule of Israel.
We can take heed from the imagery God gifted Ezekiel. When we bend our hearts toward rebellion—our way, our will, our strength—we begin to wither like the vine (v.10). But when we bend our hearts toward the Lord, He provides us the sustenance we need to flourish—His way, His will, His strength—even among the tares that grow up around us (Matthew 13:24–30).
My family moved into the teeny apartment, and it turned into a bountiful planting by God. My neighbors from all around the world became extended family. Our children grew up together for a short while. And now we have loved ones all throughout the world. It was hard—and good.
67 thoughts on "The Parable of the Eagles"
-
This reminds me that God is in ultimate control. That doesn’t mean that everything that happens in my life is His Will, but he can use everything in my life for his plan and to bring about good things in my life. I pray that I would learn to follow his leading more and trust in him.
-
God is the source and light of my life. We must work on ourselves to be better vessels for God, to be better children. If we don’t change our ways, then nothing will happen
-
This reading gives me so much hope especially on the current political scene, on how God can easily humble political leaders. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar, and Zedekiah today, who both were brought low just so it is known that our Most High God rules all earthly kingdoms and gives them to anyone He wishes (Daniel 4:32). Among all the turmoil that we see, God is sovereign above all, and can cause a green tree to wither, and a withered tree to become green again. Doesn’t this statement cause the FEAR of the Lord to come all over you? He gives more grace to the humbleand resist the proud.
@Churchmouse- praying for your speedy recovery and your fully restored hearing. May He cause a big healing miracle to happen for you.
@Dorothy- praying for your sister Carol to be free from depression. Thank God that Finley is doing well.
@Victoria E- praying for your C-section on Wed and arrangements for work. Very excited for you and may God bless you with a successful delivery, a restful and speedy recovery to follow. May you be overwhelmed with joy and peace in the new season of motherhood. I think I am gonna cry happy tears. What a miracle witnessing your journey that you have been sharing all these long months. How good is our God!
@K Walls- praying for a good and meaningful job to open up for you SOON . All things are possible to him who believes –Mark 9:23. -
Ladies, this is so encouraging to read. I think the enemies biggest tactic is to make us feel alone in our sin. What a gift it is to share this with you all!
I read something recently that talked abt the difference between shame & conviction. Shame is from the devil and conviction is from our Father. So good! -
I’ve found the book “Live No Lies” by John Mark Comer such a great companion to this Eziekiel study. I think it’s really a must read for any believer! It’s all about finding peace and combating “the devil, the flesh and the world.” He touches on some spiritual discipline practices, which like the book of Ezekiel can be hard to hear at first but ultimately really uplifting. I first found out about John Mark when he was a SRT podcast guest.
-
Dear friends,
Would you be so kind as to pray for me? I had inner ear surgery very early this morning. It went well but my hearing will be severely limited in that ear, for as long as 4-6 months. However once healing is complete, which could occur sooner, the Dr anticipates good restoration to the point that I may no longer need a hearing aid in that ear. AND he thinks a custom hearing aid could improve the hearing in the right ear so that I might not need surgery. I’m thanking God for my surgeon and praying for a steady recovery with improved hearing sooner rather than later. I’m praying BIG because that’s exactly what my God is! Thank you so very much! As I recover I will certainly be praying for all your requests. -
Father, thank You for the many times You have blessed me with what I thought at first was terrible and then turned out to be great. Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins and being resurrected again. Holy Spirit, help me to spread this WONDERFUL AND FANTASTIC NEWS of the Lenten season, not just during the Lenten season but always. Amen.
Sisters, prayers are needed for my sister, Carol, after texting with her last evening I feel she has gone into a severe depression and has blamed it on other health conditions. My brothers and I can’t convince her to get help.
Also, I have a praise, Finley got out of the hospital early — yesterday — and is doing well. I will return to work today.
Be blessed and remember your covenant with the Lord, sisters!!!! -
This is my first time posting. I, like many of you have admitted, have had trouble reading the book of Ezekiel. I have found a lot of help in reading your comments and listening to the She Reads Truth podcast every week. I’m really enjoying this study. Although it is a messy and “not-so-pretty” process of being reminded of my sins, it is beautiful to realize how I NEED a savior and have One in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Post Comments (67)