Ezekiel 17:3
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:
Original Language Analysis
כֹּה
H3541
כֹּה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הַכְּנָפַ֙יִם֙
wings
H3671
הַכְּנָפַ֙יִם֙
wings
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
9 of 23
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
מָלֵא֙
full
H4392
מָלֵא֙
full
Strong's:
H4392
Word #:
12 of 23
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
הַנּוֹצָ֔ה
of feathers
H5133
הַנּוֹצָ֔ה
of feathers
Strong's:
H5133
Word #:
13 of 23
a pinion (or wing feather); often (collectively) plumage
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָֽרִקְמָ֑ה
which had divers colours
H7553
הָֽרִקְמָ֑ה
which had divers colours
Strong's:
H7553
Word #:
16 of 23
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
וַיִּקַּ֖ח
and took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֖ח
and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
20 of 23
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Jeremiah 48:40For thus saith the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.Hosea 8:1Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.Ezekiel 17:7There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.Daniel 4:22It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar was ancient history's most successful military commander, conquering from Egypt to Persia. His 597 BC campaign took Jerusalem's king, nobles, and treasures, installing Zedekiah as puppet ruler.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize God's sovereignty even in the actions of pagan rulers and foreign powers?
- What does this passage teach about God's control over international affairs and human history?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'great eagle' represents Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Eagles symbolize swift, powerful military conquest throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 28:49, Jeremiah 48:40). Lebanon's cedars represent nobility and kingship, particularly David's dynasty. This parable depicts Nebuchadnezzar taking Judah's king (Jehoiachin) to Babylon in 597 BC.