THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, Son of man, recount a tale and share a parable with the house of Israel. You shall convey these words, declares the Lord God. He is instructed to explain the prophecy in a veiled way, encouraging the listeners to seek deeper understanding. When they pose questions to the Prophet, he shall provide insights. The great eagle, long in stature, and equipped with powerful talons, symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar, whom he refers to as great for his notorious reputation, extensive dominion over many lands, and prideful demeanor. He describes him as being full of nails to signify his vast army, both mounted and foot soldiers, heavily and lightly armed.
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These soldiers can be seen as the king's fingernails; they represent the outermost part of the body, sharp and strong enough to strike and torment those who dare to oppose him.
The command to enter Lebanon illustrates that Nebuchadnezzar did not approach Jerusalem under his own volition, but rather was guided there by the invisible hand of God. Jerusalem is referred to as Lebanon, not only reflecting its glory but also its pride in its large population, lawful priests, and prophets proclaiming divine truths. It is said that he ascended and captured the choicest cedars, as well as the prime tops of the stockade. This metaphorically speaks to Jehoiachin, for the chosen cedars represent his royal stature, while the reference to the soft tops signifies both his rank and the youthfulness with which he assumed kingship and subsequently faced captivity.
The Prophet employs the term "witchet" to describe the eagle, emphasizing its numerous claws and their role in its actions. He proclaimed, I will bring it into the land of the Canaanites and place it within a fortified city.