Ezekiel 17:4
He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֹ֥אשׁ
the top
H7218
רֹ֥אשׁ
the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
2 of 11
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיְבִיאֵ֙הוּ֙
and carried
H935
וַיְבִיאֵ֙הוּ֙
and carried
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
כְּנַ֔עַן
of traffick
H3667
כְּנַ֔עַן
of traffick
Strong's:
H3667
Word #:
8 of 11
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
בְּעִ֥יר
it in a city
H5892
בְּעִ֥יר
it in a city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Babylon's prosperity under Nebuchadnezzar made it history's first truly international commercial empire, with trade networks spanning from India to Ethiopia. Jehoiachin lived in comfortable exile there, as confirmed by Babylonian administrative records.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you trust God's purposes even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?
- What does exile—physical or spiritual—teach about God's refining work in His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'topmost branch' refers to King Jehoiachin and Judah's nobility deported to Babylon. The 'city of merchants' is Babylon, renowned for international trade. God uses pagan empires to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating that all history serves His redemptive plan. Even judgment contains seeds of future restoration.