Ezekiel 17 2

Ezekiel 17:2 kjv

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

Ezekiel 17:2 nkjv

"Son of man, pose a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel,

Ezekiel 17:2 niv

"Son of man, set forth an allegory and tell it to the Israelites as a parable.

Ezekiel 17:2 esv

"Son of man, propound a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;

Ezekiel 17:2 nlt

"Son of man, give this riddle, and tell this story to the people of Israel.

Ezekiel 17 verses

Ezekiel 17 2 Meaning

Ezekiel 17:2 is a divine command given to the prophet Ezekiel, instructing him to use a complex, veiled form of communication—specifically a riddle and a parable—to convey a critical message to the people of Israel. This instruction signals that the subsequent prophecy will not be immediately obvious but will require thoughtful interpretation to reveal God's profound truths concerning their present situation and future.

Ezekiel 17 2 Context

Ezekiel 17:2 introduces a complex allegory, central to understanding Judah's political situation during the Babylonian exile. The verse context commands Ezekiel to present a veiled message that requires careful deciphering, setting the stage for the prophetic revelation to follow. The chapter context (Ezekiel 17) uses the extended riddle and parable of two great eagles and a vine to illustrate the political intrigues of Zedekiah, King of Judah. Zedekiah broke his oath of loyalty to Babylon (represented by the first great eagle) and turned to Egypt (the second great eagle) for military aid, believing it would save Jerusalem from Babylonian subjugation. The chapter predicts the utter destruction that will befall Judah for this act of betrayal, but also pivots to a messianic promise of a future, flourishing kingdom under a righteous ruler from the line of David.

The historical context places Ezekiel among the Jewish exiles in Babylon around 593-592 BC, following Nebuchadnezzar's initial conquest of Jerusalem and the first deportation of Judah's elite (including Ezekiel). At this time, Judah was a Babylonian vassal state, with Zedekiah enthroned by Nebuchadnezzar. The people still in Judah, as well as some exiles, harbored false hopes of swift liberation, fueled by reliance on Egypt. Ezekiel's prophecy dismantles these hopes by exposing the spiritual and political folly of Zedekiah's actions and clarifying that their suffering is a consequence of their unfaithfulness to God. The use of a riddle and parable was an effective way to both intrigue the audience and challenge their understanding of God's sovereign control over international events.

Ezekiel 17 2 Word analysis

• Son of man (Hebrew: ben-'ādām): This title appears frequently in Ezekiel, used over 90 times to address the prophet. It highlights Ezekiel's human nature and mortality, underscoring that he is but a man conveying a divine message. This designation contrasts with the majesty of God and emphasizes the frailty of the messenger even while bearing the weight of God's word. It may also evoke a universal aspect of humanity receiving God's instruction.

• put forth (Hebrew: ḥud): A verb meaning "to propound," "to present," or "to pose." It signifies an intentional and deliberate act of presenting something for consideration or solution. The command is not merely to speak, but to frame and deliver the message in a specific, challenging way that requires an intellectual response from the hearers.

• a riddle (Hebrew: ḥîdâ): An enigma, a puzzling question, a dark saying. Its purpose is often to conceal a truth initially, prompting a deeper search for understanding. Riddles were used in ancient literature for intellectual challenges (Judg 14), conveying wisdom (Prov 1:6), or expressing divine mysteries (Num 12:8). Here, it implies the message's initial obscurity, demanding insight to grasp its meaning.

• and speak (Hebrew: wə-dabbēr): A simple conjunctive verb, indicating an additional instruction to communicate. It signifies the verbal delivery aspect, often used for prophetic proclamation. The "and" links the "riddle" with the "parable," indicating they are to be presented together or as parts of a combined literary form.

• a parable (Hebrew: māshāl): A broad term encompassing various forms like proverb, allegory, satire, or similitude. Its function is to draw comparisons between a known scenario and a hidden truth, making complex ideas more accessible or, conversely, veiling them from those who are not meant to understand (cf. Matt 13). In this context, it will likely be an extended allegory revealing deeper spiritual and political realities.

• unto the house of Israel (Hebrew: 'el bêt Yiśrā'ēl): This phrase specifies the target audience – the covenant people of God, referring to the entire community of Israel, including those in exile and those still in Judah. Despite their disobedience, God continues to address them as "Israel," emphasizing their unique relationship and the gravity of the divine message intended specifically for them concerning their collective fate.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable": This grouping highlights the prophet's unique role and the intentionality of God's communication method. It stresses that the coming message is not a straightforward declaration but a complex, multi-layered literary device requiring engagement beyond mere listening. The dual mention of "riddle" and "parable" emphasizes the message's depth and interpretive demands.
  • "a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel": This combination defines the nature and purpose of the communication. The use of veiled language (riddle and parable) for "the house of Israel" signifies that while the message is for them, its truth may initially be obscured to provoke deeper reflection, challenge hardened hearts, and unveil divine judgment and grace at the appropriate time.

Ezekiel 17 2 Bonus section

• The use of allegorical prophecy in Ezekiel mirrors similar literary strategies found throughout Scripture, where truth is presented in layers. This approach anticipates Jesus' own method of teaching through parables (e.g., Matt 13) which often revealed spiritual truths to those with discerning hearts while remaining enigmatic to those resistant to His message.
• This verse highlights that divine revelation isn't always direct; sometimes it demands an active, seeking response from the hearer to unravel its profound significance. It encourages the audience to move beyond passive listening to active interpretation, underscoring that understanding God's word often requires effort and spiritual discernment.
• The dual mention of "riddle" and "parable" emphasizes that the upcoming message is comprehensive and multi-faceted. It's not just a puzzle to solve or a story to hear; it is both, woven together to present a complex theological and political assessment that deeply impacts Israel's destiny.

Ezekiel 17 2 Commentary

Ezekiel 17:2 sets a crucial tone for understanding the following extensive prophecy. God instructs Ezekiel, his "Son of man" – a humble, mortal prophet – to employ sophisticated literary devices: a ḥîdâ (riddle) and a māshāl (parable). This is not casual speech; it is a divinely commanded pedagogical approach designed to convey deep truths in a way that bypasses superficial listening. For "the house of Israel," accustomed to the plain pronouncements of prophets, this allegorical method serves multiple functions. It first captures their attention and challenges their intellectual engagement. More profoundly, it initially veils the truth, requiring divine revelation or earnest inquiry to grasp its meaning, thus revealing the state of their hearts.

In essence, this verse signals a strategic communication choice by God. He is presenting an enigma that, once explained, will expose the spiritual and political folly of Judah's leadership (Zedekiah's treachery and trust in Egypt). It foreshadows a prophecy that is layered: on the surface, a compelling story; beneath it, a stark commentary on unfaithfulness and its consequences, culminating in God's ultimate sovereignty and promise of future restoration. This prophetic strategy is a test of their discernment and a pathway to exposing the truth about their current situation.