An Interesting Parable
This chapter in Ezekiel is one of those chapters that is fairly
hard to understand what is going on.
There are two eagles, a bunch of trees being cut of, a vine, and some
water. What exactly is happening here?
The eagle is Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar comes to Jerusalem (the cedar) and conquers it. He takes Jehoiachin (the topmost bough)
captive and drags him back to Babylon.
In Babylon, Jehoiachin is planted.
There he becomes somewhat prosperous for a conquered king (low growing
vine). Along with Jehoiachin
Nebuchadnezzar took some of the people of Jerusalem like Daniel and Ezekiel
(the “seeds”) and planted them in Babylon (beside the river). Nebuchadnezzar sets up Zechariah to be a
vassal king. Although the Hebrew people
were brought low, they would have survived if they would just submit.
However, Egypt (the second eagle) comes along and entices
Zechariah to make a treaty. Egypt
promises protection. Egypt promises
military assistance. Because of the
rebellion, the humble vine would be torn from its roots and completely
uprooted. Jerusalem would be conquered
completely. It would be laid waste. The people within Jerusalem would be killed
or be dragged into captivity, all because they refused to submit.
Life in God
However, then God would take a shoot and bring it forth. God will plant it Himself, nurture it,
protect it, and cause it to prosper. All
kinds of birds will dwell under this great and mighty tree of the Lord.
Of course, the easiest interpretation of this part of the chapter
is the remnant of Israel. Many people
claim that these holy ones who come out of the captivity are this special
tree. However, I see it a little
differently.
I believe this special tree is Jesus Christ. He is the “shoot” of David. He is the one God plants. His love and the grace that comes through His
death is a majestic tree that provides shelter for all kinds of people (birds). Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice will
shelter people of all kinds of race, tongue, and nationality.
Application
So where do we go with this crazy parable? I think there are a few fruitful lessons that
we can learn. As always, those who are
willing to look into the experience of the people that came before them can
usually learn from them.
First, I think there is a clear reminder to submit to God. Regardless of the circumstance, we need to
submit to God. Take a look at
Zedekiah. I’m sure he didn’t much care
for being a vassal king under Nebuchadnezzar.
I’m sure he wanted to put on his big king pants and rule the world! So when Egypt comes and promises help, he
listens. The problem is, God is not in
the plan. It is not where God wants the
Hebrew people. God desires to teach them
about submission, not independence! So
when Zedekiah rebels in search of independence, God has to find a new way to
teach submission to him. In the end, the
lesson is far harder to learn than simply being a vassal king to
Nebuchadnezzar.
Second, I think there is a lesson on contentedness. Are we content where God plants us? Are we content to do what God asks of us
regardless of how big, small, mighty, or menial that it might be? Are we really willing to be that person that
God wants us to be? Or do we have our
own aspirations? Do we set aside God’s
calling for our own dreams?
I think this one is actually a little more substantial than it
appears at first. How many dreams do I
have for myself? How many times do I
fail because I dream bigger than my God-given talent allows me to reach? I know we are told to dream big and shoot for
the stars. We should want to teach work
ethic to our kids. But at the same time,
aligning my dreams with God’s vision is the most important part. How many times do I dream of being a cedar
when God has really called me to be a simple fruit-bearing vine?
Finally, I think there is a lesson is listening. Who has our ear? Who do we listen to whenever they speak? Are they like Egypt, leading us away from
God’s will? Are they like the serpent in
the Garden, leading us away from the life God intends for us? Who has my ear? What direction do those who have my hear
intend to pull me?
This is a profound chapter.
For a confusing allegorical chapter, once we get through the material
there is really a lot there. Once again,
Ezekiel has surprised me.
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