Ezekiel 17:5
He 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.
Original Language Analysis
זָ֑רַע
also of the seed
H2233
זָ֑רַע
also of the seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
2 of 12
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ
and planted
H5414
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖הוּ
and planted
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
זָ֑רַע
also of the seed
H2233
זָ֑רַע
also of the seed
Strong's:
H2233
Word #:
6 of 12
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַ֣יִם
waters
H4325
מַ֣יִם
waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
9 of 12
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
רַבִּ֔ים
it by great
H7227
רַבִּ֔ים
it by great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
10 of 12
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Historical Context
Zedekiah, Josiah's youngest son, became king at 21 when Nebuchadnezzar bypassed Jehoiachin's infant son. His reign (597-586 BC) was marked by weak leadership, false prophets, and foolish rebellion against Babylon despite Jeremiah's warnings.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to God's providential arrangements in your life—with submission or rebellion?
- What opportunities has God given you that require faithful stewardship rather than selfish ambition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'seed of the land' represents Zedekiah, whom Nebuchadnezzar installed as vassal king. Like a plant in rich soil, Zedekiah was given opportunity to thrive under Babylonian oversight. This arrangement could have brought stability, but Zedekiah's rebellion destroyed it. God's sovereignty doesn't eliminate human responsibility.