(Ezekiel 17:1-24)

I. The parable and its interpretation (17:1-21)

A. The great eagle is Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar; the willow tree/vine is Zedekiah in Judah (17:1-6, 11-14)
B. The second eagle is Egyptian Pharaoh, Hophra (17:7-8, 15a; cf. Jeremiah 44:30)
C. Will the vine thrive? (17:9-10, 15b-21)

II. Messianic hope (17:22-24)

A. The tender one cropped off by God is Jesus (Isaiah 11:1; 53:2)
B. Planted on a high and prominent mountain – the kingdom of Christ would be exalted over all the trees of the field (other kingdoms)

III. Lessons for us today

A. In whom do you place your trust? (Psalm 46:1)
B. Integrity is vital – do not make flippant vows (Numbers 30:2; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)