Ezekiel 17:15

But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?'

Study Bible

But this king rebelled against Babylon
The "king" refers to Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, who was installed by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon was a significant event, as it marked a breach of the oath he had sworn in God's name (2 Chronicles 36:13). This rebellion is a pivotal moment in Judah's history, leading to the Babylonian siege and eventual destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The act of rebellion against Babylon, a dominant empire of the time, highlights the political tensions and the struggle for autonomy faced by smaller states like Judah.

by sending his envoys to Egypt
Zedekiah's decision to send envoys to Egypt reflects a common political strategy of seeking alliances with other powerful nations. Egypt, a traditional rival of Babylon, was seen as a potential ally that could provide military support. This action is reminiscent of earlier periods in Israel's history when reliance on foreign powers, rather than on God, led to negative consequences (Isaiah 30:1-2). The geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East was complex, with Egypt and Babylon often vying for control over the region, including Judah.

to ask for horses and a large army
Horses and chariots were symbols of military strength and power in the ancient world. By seeking these from Egypt, Zedekiah was attempting to bolster his military capabilities against Babylon. This reliance on military might contrasts with the biblical theme of trusting in God for deliverance (Psalm 20:7). The request for a large army underscores the desperation and precariousness of Judah's situation, as they faced the might of Babylon.

Will he flourish?
This rhetorical question challenges the wisdom of Zedekiah's actions. The implied answer is negative, suggesting that rebellion against Babylon and reliance on Egypt will not lead to prosperity or success. This aligns with the prophetic warnings given by Jeremiah, who advised submission to Babylon as God's instrument of judgment (Jeremiah 27:12-15). The question invites reflection on the futility of seeking security outside of God's will.

Will the one who does such things escape?
The question emphasizes the inevitability of consequences for breaking covenants and defying God's ordained order. Zedekiah's actions are portrayed as not only politically unwise but also morally and spiritually wrong. The notion of inescapable judgment is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, where actions contrary to God's commands lead to divine retribution (Amos 9:1-4).

Can he break a covenant and yet escape?
The covenant in question is the oath of loyalty Zedekiah swore to Nebuchadnezzar, which was made in God's name (Ezekiel 17:13-14). Breaking this covenant is seen as a serious offense, not just against Babylon, but against God Himself. The gravity of covenant-breaking is a central theme in the Bible, where faithfulness to one's word is highly valued (Numbers 30:2). This phrase underscores the moral and spiritual dimensions of Zedekiah's rebellion, highlighting the broader biblical principle that God holds individuals and nations accountable for their promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zedekiah
The last king of Judah, who rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, by seeking an alliance with Egypt.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who had installed Zedekiah as a vassal king in Judah.

3. Egypt
The nation to which Zedekiah turned for military support against Babylon, symbolizing reliance on worldly powers rather than God.

4. Covenant
The agreement between Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar, which Zedekiah broke by seeking help from Egypt.

5. Prophet Ezekiel
The messenger of God who delivered this parable and prophecy, warning of the consequences of breaking covenants.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Breaking Covenants
Zedekiah's rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar illustrates the serious consequences of breaking covenants, both human and divine. As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity, honoring our commitments.

Reliance on God vs. Worldly Powers
Zedekiah's reliance on Egypt instead of God serves as a cautionary tale. We must examine where we place our trust and ensure it is in God rather than worldly solutions.

The Importance of Obedience
This passage highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of seeking our own solutions outside of His will.

Prophetic Warnings
Ezekiel's role as a prophet reminds us of the importance of heeding God's warnings through Scripture and His messengers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the consequences of Zedekiah's decision to seek help from Egypt, and how does this apply to our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the breaking of covenants in Ezekiel 17:15 relate to the importance of keeping our commitments in personal and spiritual relationships?

3. In what ways do we sometimes rely on "Egypt" (worldly solutions) instead of trusting in God, and how can we shift our focus back to Him?

4. How can we discern and respond to prophetic warnings in our lives today, similar to those given by Ezekiel?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How did your faith influence your choice, and what can you learn from Zedekiah's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 24-25
Provides historical context for Zedekiah's reign and rebellion against Babylon.

Jeremiah 37-38
Offers insight into the political and spiritual climate of Judah during Zedekiah's reign, including his interactions with the prophet Jeremiah.

Isaiah 30:1-5
Warns against relying on Egypt for help, emphasizing trust in God rather than foreign alliances.

Psalm 146:3
Advises against putting trust in princes or mortal men, reinforcing the theme of reliance on God.