Ezekiel 17 4

Ezekiel 17:4 kjv

He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants.

Ezekiel 17:4 nkjv

He cropped off its topmost young twig And carried it to a land of trade; He set it in a city of merchants.

Ezekiel 17:4 niv

he broke off its topmost shoot and carried it away to a land of merchants, where he planted it in a city of traders.

Ezekiel 17:4 esv

He broke off the topmost of its young twigs and carried it to a land of trade and set it in a city of merchants.

Ezekiel 17:4 nlt

and plucked off its highest branch.
He carried it away to a city filled with merchants.
He planted it in a city of traders.

Ezekiel 17 verses

Ezekiel 17 4 Meaning

Ezekiel 17:4 presents a metaphorical description of historical events, specifically the deportation of King Jehoiachin of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The verse, part of a riddle or parable, illustrates the Babylonian king as a great eagle, plucking the topmost young shoot from a mighty cedar (the Davidic dynasty of Judah). This young shoot, representing Jehoiachin, is then transported and established in Babylon, referred to as "a land of merchants" and "a city of traders," emphasizing its commercial dominance and strategic importance in the ancient Near East. It signifies the removal of Judah's monarchical power to a foreign land as a result of divine judgment.

Ezekiel 17 4 Context

Ezekiel 17 is a prophetic riddle concerning two great eagles and a vine, vividly depicting the geopolitical machinations involving Judah, Babylon, and Egypt. The chapter immediately precedes this verse, introduces the first great eagle as Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (17:3), who came to Jerusalem and took a significant portion of Judah. Verse 4 details the first part of this taking. Historically, this refers to Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, following King Jehoiakim's rebellion. Upon taking Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar deposed Jehoiakim's successor, King Jehoiachin (who ruled only three months), and exiled him along with the queen mother, officials, mighty men, and skilled artisans to Babylon. This action was crucial to ensure Babylonian control and prevent future rebellion from the Davidic line. The "land of merchants" refers to Babylon, which was known for its vast commercial networks and strategic trade routes, and thus was an ideal location to resettle exiles for political control and economic benefit.

Ezekiel 17 4 Word analysis

• He plucked off (וַיְקַטֵּף - vay'qataf): From קָטַף (qataf), meaning to pick, pluck, or snip. This implies a deliberate, decisive, and forceful act. It is not gentle removal but a violent detachment, highlighting the invader's power and intent. The subject, implied from verse 3, is the great eagle, Nebuchadnezzar.

• the top (רֹאשׁ - ro'sh): Literally "head" or "top." This signifies the most prominent, elevated, or princely part. It suggests the leader, the reigning monarch.

• of its young twigs (יֹנְקוֹתָיו - yonqotav): From יֹנְקָה (yonqah), meaning "suckling" or "young shoot/twig." This term denotes fresh growth, tender and recently sprouted. In the context of the cedar, it represents the new, perhaps immature, branch of the royal line—King Jehoiachin, who was relatively young and had a very brief reign (2 Kgs 24:8). The combination with "top" points to him as the current head of the royal family.

• and carried it (וַיָּבִאֵהוּ - vayavi'eihu): From בּוֹא (bo), meaning "to come, to bring." This indicates transportation, a forced relocation. It underlines the act of deportation and exile, a physical removal from the homeland.

• to a land of merchants (אֶל־אֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן - el eretz Kena'an): אֶרֶץ (eretz) means "land." כְּנַעַן (Kena'an) literally refers to "Canaan," which here is used idiomatically. In many biblical contexts (e.g., Job 40:30, Zech 14:21), "Canaanite" became synonymous with "merchant" due to their prominence in trade. Thus, it signifies a commercial, mercantile land—Babylon. This choice of idiom can subtly criticize the moral compromises associated with materialism or suggest a contrast with the holy land.

• he set it (וַיְשִׂמֵהוּ - vayesimehu): From שׂוּם (sum), meaning "to put, to place, to set." This suggests a deliberate act of installation or resettlement, but under the authority of the one who plucked it off. The new position is determined by the captor.

• in a city of traders (בְּעִיר רֹכְלִים - be'ir rokhelim): עִיר (ir) means "city." רֹכְלִים (rokhelim) means "traders" or "merchants." This reiterates the commercial aspect of the destination. Babylon was indeed a central hub for trade, rich and bustling with merchants. This emphasizes the materialistic, worldly nature of Babylon where the Judean royalty would be deposited, distinct from Jerusalem, the city of the Temple and divine covenant.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "He plucked off the top of its young twigs and carried it": This phrase encapsulates the forced removal and displacement of Judah's monarchy. It emphasizes the direct action of a powerful foreign king (Nebuchadnezzar) and the vulnerable status of the young ruler (Jehoiachin).
  • "to a land of merchants; he set it in a city of traders": The doubling of "merchants/traders" underscores Babylon's economic might and worldly orientation. It portrays Babylon not merely as a foreign land but as a place deeply involved in commercial enterprise, a stark contrast to Judah's covenantal identity focused on the Lord. This can imply a spiritual critique, suggesting a destination characterized by a different set of values.

Ezekiel 17 4 Bonus section

The choice of "land of Canaan" (כְּנַעַן) rather than directly naming "Babylon" carries historical and theological weight. Ancient Canaanites were known for their commercial prowess but also for their pagan practices, including idolatry and child sacrifice. By calling Babylon "the land of Canaan/merchants," Ezekiel might be drawing a subtle parallel, not only to Babylon's mercantile character but also to a place spiritually distinct and opposed to the true worship of Yahweh. This serves as a nuanced commentary on Judah's compromised alliances and spiritual drift, likening the instrument of their judgment to a type of nation Israel was previously warned against. It implies a sense of the chosen people being taken to a place with characteristics antithetical to their own divine calling.

Ezekiel 17 4 Commentary

Ezekiel 17:4 offers a remarkably concise and precise summary of the events of 597 BC and their significance. The "plucking" of "the top of its young twigs" perfectly encapsulates the deposition of King Jehoiachin, a young and freshly established ruler, signifying a blow to Judah's sovereign future without immediately destroying the Davidic line completely. The journey to "a land of merchants" and a "city of traders" is not merely geographical but also symbolic. It refers to Babylon, the powerful capital known for its economic strength and cosmopolitan nature, a stark contrast to Jerusalem. This choice of destination emphasizes the political dominance and economic interest of Babylon over Judah. For the original audience, it was a confirmation that God allowed these specific events as judgment, removing Judah's king to a foreign, worldly power, not randomly, but to a carefully selected location that would signify their new subordinate status. The emphasis on trade also hints at a lifestyle potentially opposed to faithful Yahwism, where commerce could overshadow covenant.