Ezekiel 17:7
There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
Ezekiel 17:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel uses imagery of a great eagle with many feathers and wings to symbolize a powerful and mighty figure. The vine in this verse represents God's people, who are reaching out to this eagle for sustenance and nourishment. The bending of the roots and the shooting forth of branches indicate a willingness on the part of God's people to receive guidance and care from this powerful figure. The act of watering the vine by the furrows of her plantation signifies the provision of spiritual nourishment and support to help God's people thrive and grow in their faith. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and nourishment in order to flourish and thrive in our spiritual lives.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from Ezekiel 17:7, there is a powerful imagery of a great eagle and a vine. The great eagle is often understood to symbolize power and authority, representing a strong nation or ruler. The vine, on the other hand, is commonly interpreted as Israel, God's chosen people. The bending of the vine's roots and the shooting forth of its branches towards the eagle can be seen as a metaphor for Israel seeking protection and sustenance from a foreign power. The act of watering the vine by the furrows of its plantation can be seen as the eagle providing for and nurturing Israel. This verse can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing one's trust in earthly powers rather than in God. It serves as a reminder to remain faithful and obedient to God, for only He can truly provide for and protect His people.
Ezekiel 17:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend its roots toward him, and shot forth its branches toward him, from the beds of its plantation, that he might water it.
World English Bible
There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and behold, this vine bent its roots toward him, and shot out its branches toward him, from the beds of its plantation, that he might water it.
Douay-Rheims
And there was another large eagle, with great wings, and many feathers: and behold this vine, bending as it were her roots towards him, stretched forth her branches to him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
Geneva Bible (1599)
There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers, and beholde, this vine did turne her rootes toward it, and spred foorth her branches toward it, that she might water it by the trenches of her plantation.