Ezekiel 17:22-24 – We are Kingdom people.

In the covenant God made with King David, He promised him in 2 Samuel 7:16 that his house, kingdom, and throne shall be established forever. This we know was in preparation for the coming of the Messiah through his line. In this second parable on the stately cedar tree in Ezekiel 17:22-24, the prophet was referring to the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom. This is a prophecy concerning Christ the Messiah and the Kingdom He had established.

In this parable, it was no longer an eagle but God Himself who would take a twig from the top of a cedar and plant it on the top of a high and lofty mountain in Israel. This twig would grow strong branches and become a huge, luxuriant, fruit-bearing, and stately tree. This tree would provide branches and shades for all kinds of birds to nest and find their rest. The tree that God had planted and established is the Kingdom of the Messiah. All other trees of the field meaning all other kingdoms would come to recognize Yahweh as the true God. He would end all proud and high kingdoms such as Egypt and Babylon. But He would exalt and flourish those in the Kingdom of the Messiah.

In three verses, we get to see the quality of the Messianic Kingdom. Firstly, it’s a Kingdom established by God Himself. Verse 22 said that God Himself would pick the twig. Secondly, it would begin from a tender twig. The tender twig speaks of a Kingdom marked by tenderness. Thirdly, it would be a powerful Kingdom indicated by the huge, luxuriant, and fruitful tree it would become. Fourthly, it’s a kingdom that would provide great hope for all. This is illustrated by the birds of all kinds finding a place to rest. Fifthly, the proud will be humbled, and the humble will be exalted.

This Kingdom we know began with the tree at Calvary. On that tree outside the city wall, Jesus our Saviour was crucified to die for us all. His sacrifice has unlocked the door for us to get into this eternal Kingdom. Hear what Cecil Frances Alexander said in the closing words of the hymn titled “There is a green hill far away.”

Oh dearly, dearly has He loved!
And we must love Him too.
And trust in His redeeming blood
And try His work to do.