Ezekiel 17:22
Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וְלָקַ֣חְתִּי
I will also take
H3947
וְלָקַ֣חְתִּי
I will also take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
5 of 20
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
הָרָמָ֖ה
of the high
H7311
הָרָמָ֖ה
of the high
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
9 of 20
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
וְנָתָ֑תִּי
and will set
H5414
וְנָתָ֑תִּי
and will set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 20
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵרֹ֤אשׁ
from the top
H7218
מֵרֹ֤אשׁ
from the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
11 of 20
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
רַ֣ךְ
a tender one
H7390
רַ֣ךְ
a tender one
Strong's:
H7390
Word #:
13 of 20
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
עַ֥ל
H5921
עַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַר
mountain
H2022
הַר
mountain
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
18 of 20
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:2For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.Psalms 2:6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.Ezekiel 20:40For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.Psalms 72:16There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.Zechariah 3:8Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.Ezekiel 40:2In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.Micah 4:1But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
Historical Context
Written during exile when David's throne was vacant, this promise sustained hope. The 'tender twig' (Hebrew 'yoneq') suggests vulnerability—Christ came not in political power but humble incarnation, fulfilling prophecy in unexpected ways.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's kingdom differ from worldly kingdoms in its origin, nature, and methods?
- Where do you see Christ's kingdom growing today from seemingly small and humble beginnings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This prophetic reversal introduces messianic hope. God Himself will plant a 'tender twig' from David's line—the Messiah. While Babylon broke Judah's earthly kingdom, God will establish an eternal kingdom through Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Luke 1:32-33). The 'high mountain' is Zion, from which Christ's reign extends worldwide.