Ezekiel 17:24
And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽיָדְע֞וּ
shall know
H3045
וְֽיָדְע֞וּ
shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
1 of 23
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
H6086
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
3 of 23
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
I the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
I the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הִשְׁפַּ֣לְתִּי׀
have brought down
H8213
הִשְׁפַּ֣לְתִּי׀
have brought down
Strong's:
H8213
Word #:
8 of 23
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
H6086
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
9 of 23
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
הִגְבַּ֙הְתִּי֙
have exalted
H1361
הִגְבַּ֙הְתִּי֙
have exalted
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
11 of 23
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
H6086
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
12 of 23
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
הוֹבַ֙שְׁתִּי֙
have dried
H3001
הוֹבַ֙שְׁתִּי֙
have dried
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
14 of 23
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
H6086
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
15 of 23
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
וְהִפְרַ֖חְתִּי
to flourish
H6524
וְהִפְרַ֖חְתִּי
to flourish
Strong's:
H6524
Word #:
17 of 23
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
H6086
עֵ֣ץ
And all the trees
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
18 of 23
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
יְהוָ֖ה
I the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
I the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
21 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Amos 9:11In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:Ezekiel 12:25For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.Ezekiel 24:14I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.Ezekiel 22:14Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken it, and will do it.Isaiah 26:5For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust.Psalms 89:45The days of his youth hast thou shortened: thou hast covered him with shame. Selah.
Historical Context
This principle was demonstrated when Babylon fell to Persia, Persia to Greece, Greece to Rome—all part of God's sovereign plan culminating in Christ's first advent during Roman occupation (Galatians 4:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's kingdom values reverse worldly definitions of success, power, and greatness?
- Where is God calling you to trust His power through weakness rather than relying on human strength?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God's sovereign reversal of human expectations is a constant biblical theme. He brings down the proud and lifts the humble (1 Samuel 2:7-8, Luke 1:52). The 'green tree' and 'dry tree' represent worldly power versus God's chosen instruments. Christ's kingdom came through crucifixion and resurrection, not military might—the ultimate reversal.