The Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine
The word of the LORD tells Ezekiel to set forth a riddle to Israel. In the parable, a great eagle comes to Lebanon, takes the top of the cedar, and carries it to a city of merchants. He also plants seed from the land in fertile soil by abundant waters so that it becomes a broad low vine turned toward him. But when a second great eagle appears, the vine stretches toward him instead, and the LORD asks whether a plant that turns so faithlessly from its first planter can survive the uprooting and scorching judgment that follows.
N1ow the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel 3and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 4He plucked off its topmost shoot, 5He took some of the seed of the land 6It sprouted and became a spreading vine, 7But there was another great eagle 8It had been planted in good soil 9So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 10Even if it is transplanted,
Verse 1The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel.
This verse opens the chapter's prophetic riddle.
Verse 2Ezekiel is told to pose a riddle and speak a parable to Israel.
This verse marks the chapter as symbolic revelation.
Verse 3A great eagle with vast wings and rich plumage comes to Lebanon and takes the top of the cedar.
This verse introduces the first imperial power in vivid royal imagery.
Verse 4The eagle plucks off the highest shoot and carries it to a land of trade, setting it in a merchant city.
This verse shows the first act of removal and transplantation.
Verse 5Then the eagle takes seed from the land and plants it in fertile soil beside abundant waters.
This verse describes the establishment of a dependent local kingdom.
Verse 6The seed grows into a low spreading vine whose branches turn toward the eagle while its roots remain under him.
This verse depicts a polity designed to live in humble dependence.
Verse 7Another great eagle appears, and the vine bends its roots and branches toward him to seek watering.
This verse introduces the rival alliance that tempts the vine away.
Verse 8Yet the vine had already been planted in good soil by many waters where it could have flourished.
This verse stresses that the turning was unnecessary, not desperate.
Verse 9The LORD asks whether such a vine can prosper or avoid being uprooted and stripped bare.
This verse turns the parable into a verdict-laden question.
Verse 10Though planted, the vine will wither when the east wind touches it and die in the beds where it grew.
This verse answers the question by forecasting failure and judgment.
A quiet block diagram: each row is one authored paragraph movement, with verse numbers kept visible for scanning and deeper work.
- vv. 1-10
The word of the LORD tells Ezekiel to set forth a riddle to Israel. In the parable, a great eagle comes to Lebanon, takes the top of the cedar, and carries it to a city of merchants. He also plants seed from the land in fertile soil by abundant waters so that it becomes a broad low vine turned toward him. But when a second great eagle appears, the vine stretches toward him instead, and the LORD asks whether a plant that turns so faithlessly from its first planter can survive the uprooting and scorching judgment that follows.
This paragraph presents the symbolic action and raises the chapter's central question about disloyal ambition.