‏ Ezekiel 17

* A parable relative to the Jewish nation. (1-10) to which an

explanation is added. (11-21) A direct promise of the Messiah.

(22-24)

1-10 Mighty conquerors are aptly likened to birds or beasts of

prey, but their destructive passions are overruled to forward

God's designs. Those who depart from God, only vary their crimes

by changing one carnal confidence for another, and never will

prosper. 11-21 The parable is explained, and the particulars of the

history of the Jewish nation at that time may be traced.

Zedekiah had been ungrateful to his benefactor, which is a sin

against God. In every solemn oath, God is appealed to as a

witness of the sincerity of him that swears. Truth is a debt

owing to all men. If the professors of the true religion deal

treacherously with those of a false religion, their profession

makes their sin the worse; and God will the more surely and

severely punish it. The Lord will not hold those guiltless who

take his name in vain; and no man shall escape the righteous

judgment of God who dies under unrepented guilt. 22-24 The unbelief of man shall not make the promise of God of

none effect. The parable of a tree, used in the threatening, is

here presented in the promise. It appears only applicable to

Jesus, the Son of David, the Messiah of God. The kingdom of

Satan, which has borne so long, so large a sway, shall be

broken, and the kingdom of Christ, which was looked upon with

contempt, shall be established. Blessed be God, our Redeemer is

seen even by the ends of the earth. We may find refuge from the

wrath to come, and from every enemy and danger, under his

shadow; and believers are fruitful in him.