Ezekiel 17:22

This is what the Lord GOD says: 'I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar, and I will set it out. I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase introduces a divine proclamation, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. It is a common introduction in prophetic literature, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God. This establishes the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy.

I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar,
The cedar is often symbolic of strength and majesty, frequently associated with Lebanon's famous cedars. In biblical symbolism, the cedar can represent a powerful kingdom or dynasty. The "lofty top" suggests a position of prominence or leadership. This imagery is used to describe the Davidic line, indicating that God will take a descendant from this royal lineage.

and I will set it out.
This action signifies God's intention to establish or replant the shoot, suggesting a new beginning or restoration. It implies divine intervention and purpose, indicating that God is actively involved in the unfolding of His plan.

I will pluck a tender sprig from its topmost shoots,
The "tender sprig" suggests something young and vulnerable, yet full of potential. This can be seen as a reference to a future king or leader, specifically pointing to the Messiah, who would come from the line of David. The imagery of plucking indicates a deliberate and careful selection by God.

and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.
Mountains in biblical literature often symbolize stability, permanence, and divine presence. The "high and lofty mountain" could refer to Jerusalem or Zion, places of significant spiritual and historical importance. This planting signifies the establishment of a kingdom that is both elevated and enduring, pointing to the messianic kingdom that will be established by Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, who conveyed God's messages to the Israelites.

3. Cedar
Symbolic of strength and majesty, often used in the Bible to represent nations or leaders.

4. Tender Sprig
Represents a new beginning or a future hope, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy.

5. High and Lofty Mountain
Symbolizes a place of prominence and divine purpose, often associated with Jerusalem or the Kingdom of God.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Plan
God is in control and has a plan for restoration and hope, even when circumstances seem dire.

Messianic Hope
The tender sprig symbolizes the coming of Christ, who brings salvation and establishes God's kingdom.

New Beginnings
God can bring new life and purpose from what seems insignificant or broken.

Faith in God's Promises
Trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant or unlikely.

The Kingdom of God
The imagery of planting on a high mountain points to the establishment and growth of God's kingdom, which believers are called to participate in.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the cedar and the tender sprig in Ezekiel 17:22 enhance our understanding of God's plan for restoration?

2. In what ways does the prophecy in Ezekiel 17:22 point to the coming of Jesus Christ, and how does this impact our faith today?

3. How can we apply the concept of new beginnings in our personal lives, especially in times of difficulty or transition?

4. What does the high and lofty mountain symbolize in the context of God's kingdom, and how can we contribute to its growth?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Isaiah 11:1 and Matthew 13:31-32, deepen our understanding of God's redemptive plan throughout the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 11:1
This verse speaks of a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse, which parallels the imagery of a new beginning and messianic hope found in Ezekiel 17:22.

Psalm 72:16
Describes a flourishing kingdom, which connects to the idea of planting and growth in Ezekiel 17:22.

Zechariah 6:12
Refers to the Branch, a messianic figure, which aligns with the tender sprig imagery.

Matthew 13:31-32
The parable of the mustard seed, which grows into a large tree, echoes the theme of small beginnings leading to great outcomes.

Revelation 22:16
Jesus refers to Himself as the Root and Offspring of David, connecting to the messianic interpretation of the sprig.