Ezekiel 17:13
And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:
Original Language Analysis
לָקָֽח׃
And hath taken
H3947
לָקָֽח׃
And hath taken
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מִזֶּ֣רַע
seed
H2233
מִזֶּ֣רַע
seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
2 of 13
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת
and made
H3772
וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת
and made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
4 of 13
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אִתּ֖וֹ
H854
אִתּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּרִ֑ית
a covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֑ית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
6 of 13
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וַיָּבֵ֤א
with him and hath taken
H935
וַיָּבֵ֤א
with him and hath taken
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֹתוֹ֙
H853
אֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֵילֵ֥י
the mighty
H352
אֵילֵ֥י
the mighty
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
Cross References
2 Chronicles 36:13And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.Ezekiel 17:5He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree.
Historical Context
Vassal treaties followed standard formats: historical prologue, stipulations, divine witnesses, curses. The Babylonian-Zedekiah treaty invoked both Babylonian deities and Yahweh. Archaeological discoveries show typical clauses forbidding third-party alliances—exactly what Zedekiah violated by seeking Egyptian help.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do we take oaths and commitments made before God?
- What does Zedekiah's oath-breaking teach about word-keeping and spiritual integrity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nebuchadnezzar 'took of the king's seed' (Zedekiah), 'made a covenant' (vassal treaty), and 'hath taken an oath.' The Hebrew berith ('covenant') indicates formal, binding agreement. Ancient treaties were sworn before deities, making later rebellion oath-breaking before God. Deporting leaders decapitated Judah's rebellion capacity.