7 May 2002

Text: Ezekiel 17

RIDDLES/PARABLES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

1. Figurative language was employed as part of "Wisdom Literature" Prov. 1:1-6

2. Riddles/Parables were some of the means used to communicate wisdom/truth

3. They can be very effective

4. They can also serve to hide the Word of God (partly punitive)

THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT EAGLES

1. The Parable told Ezekiel 17:1-10

a) The first great eagle Ezekiel 17:3-6
b) Its treatment of the cedar tree Ezekiel 17:4-5
c) Response to the eagle Ezekiel 17:6
d) The second great eagle Ezekiel 17:7
e) The inclination towards the second eagle Ezekiel 17:7-8
f) The big question at the end of the parable Ezekiel 17:9-10

2. The Parable Explained Ezekiel 17:11-18

a) The first great eagle- "The King of Babylon" Ezekiel 17:12
b) A covenant was established between Babylon and Judah Ezekiel 17:13-14
c) Breaking of the covenant (treaty) by Judah when it turned to Egypt for help Ezekiel 17:15
d) The rebellious king of Judah would be punished for his treachery with death Ezekiel 17:16-18
e) Egypt would not be able to stand against the might of Babylon Ezekiel 17:17

3. The Application of the Parable with reference to Judah

a) Judah had despised the Covenant of God and had broken it Ezekiel 17:19
b) Judah would be tried for treason Ezekiel 17:20
c) Judah's army would be routed Ezekiel 17:21

A VEILED MESSIANIC PROPHECY

1. God would plant a cedar tree "on a high and prominent mountain" Ezekiel 17:22-23

2. It would become "a majestic cedar" Ezekiel 17:23

3. All would know this truth
"I, the Lord have spoken and have done it." Ezekiel 17:24