Chapter Summary

Parable of the great eagle. Rebellion of Zedekiah and its results.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 17

1. What is a parable? Why does God speak in parables? Why did Jesus say he spoke in parables?
2. Who are the characters in the parable? What are the events of the parable? What is the purpose of the questions in the parable? What are some ways in which we try to thrive as a church but ignore God? How can a reliance on plans and strategies cause us to ignore God?
3. The two eagles are revealed to represent political leaders in Babylon and Egypt. What has been the problem for Israel and its relationship with political leaders? What are some ways in which our churches develop ungodly alliances with political leaders?
4. What parallels exist between the rebellion of the Exodus wanderings and the Babylonian exile? What are the differences? What themes are duplicated? What can we learn from any similarities or differences?
5. How can God call the political covenant King Zedekiah made with Babylon "my covenant (ESV)" in 17:19?
6. What is the relationship of God to political rulers and empires throughout history? How should we think about our role in a political kingdom and the kingdom of God?
7. What does this passage tell us about the likelihood of escaping God's judgment? How do we know we are experiencing God's discipline? At what point should we accept God's discipline as inevitable?
8. What is the proper response of a people (or a person) who have come under God's discipline? How do we know that there is hope for a life outside of God's discipline?
9. In the conclusion of the chapter, the eagles are absent. Why do you think this is? Who replaces them? How does this passage show the sovereignty of God over political leaders? What is the problem with putting our trust in political leaders?
10. Are there any clues as to when this planting will occur in 17:22-24? What will mark this new planting? What lessons could we learn about how we should live in light of what God does in these verses?

Key Words/Phrase

Broken covenant, vv. 15, 19.

Characters

God, Ezekiel, Zedekiah, Pharaoh.

Strong Verse(s)