Parables and Signs in Ezekiel

These, as well as visions, abound in Ezekiel. The more outstanding ones command great interest. 1-The parable of the two eagles (chap. 17) reveals the king of Babylon (v.12) and the king of Egypt. The "highest branch" of the cedar (v.3) corresponds to Jehoiachin carried captive to Babylon. The "seed of the land" was Zedekiah (v.5). The "tender twig" (v.22) Jehovah will plant is the Messiah, the future King of David's line through whom all nations will learn to know god. Jeremiah tells also of the "highest branch." (Jer. 23:5,6 See also Isaiah 11:1; Zech. 3:8; Isaiah 53.) For "the mountain of the Lord," see 17:22; 20:40; Micah 4:1,2; Isaiah 2:2,3. 2-Chapters 20-23 include several parables, prominent among which is that of the two sisters Aholah and Aholibah. They represent Israel's and Judah's deterioration into idolatry. 3-The parable of the boiling caldron (chap. 24) symbolizes the holocaust in Jerusalem at the hands of the invading Babylonians. Much fuel, hot fire, boiled flesh, and burnt bones show the intensity of

the siege (vs. 5, 10). 4- Two sticks - one Judah, the Israel-are shown as ultimately reunited under the Shepherd Kings of God's people- Christ (37:24). This is one of the important "signs."

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