Day 247 Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 15-17

Ezekiel 15: The Parable of the Vine

[Overview]

Ezekiel describes a series of parables that show the possibility of salvation for Israel from this chapter. Among them, this chapter, which corresponds to the first parable, is the parable of the useless vine, which dispels Israel's sense of superiority and emphasizes that it is completely useless. This chapter consists of the first half (verses 1-5) which records the inevitability of the useless vine being abandoned, and the second half (verses 6-8) which prophesies that Jerusalem will be abandoned like a vine.

Ezekiel 16: The Parable of Marriage

[Overview]

This chapter compares the relationship between God and the chosen people to marriage and describes Israel's betrayal as a fallen bride who behaved in a way that was the complete opposite of what God, the groom, had expected.  The main chapter of this content consists of God's mercy (verses 1-14), ungrateful Israel (verses 15-34), Israel to be judged (verses 35-59), and the promise of an everlasting covenant (verses 60-63). In fact, the disciples of the Bible often used marriage as a metaphor for the union between God and Israel. What is emphasized first in this metaphor is the intimate fellowship that no one can break, a personal relationship in which they love each other and trust each other. 

Ezekiel 17: The Parable of the Eagles 

[Overview] 

This chapter explains through the parable of the two eagles that Zedekiah's reliance on foreign powers instead of God hastened his destruction.  This chapter is composed of the first half (verses 1-10) which describes the final situation of Israel, which invited its own destruction, using the parable of the two eagles; the middle part (verses 11-21) condemns Zedekiah for betraying the covenant with Babylon and asking for help from Egypt through an explanation of the parable; and the second half (verses 22-24) that uses the same parable as the first half to convey God’s promise that He will ultimately save Israel. In this way, this chapter clearly shows Israel’s unbelief in not trusting in God and relying on foreign nations, while also presenting a glimmer of hope for restoration.