Ezekiel 17:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The soldiers represent the king's fingernails, a part of his body subordinate to the military leaders, possessing sharpness and strength to strike and torment those who would dare rebel. "And he who is commanded to ascend into Lebanon." Here the Prophet clearly indicates that Nebuchadnezzar did not arrive in Jerusalem on his own accord, but that the God of all the earth invisibly directed and brought him there. He referred to Jerusalem as Lebanon, a city esteemed for its glory and at that time boasting a great population, including lawful priests and prophets proclaiming the divine word. It is stated that he ascended and seized the choice cedars and the tops of the lush stockade. The Prophet implied Jehoniah, calling the choice cedars through royal status, and the tops of the lushness not only referring to his elevated rank but also to his youth, as he took on royal authority and endured captivity at a young age. The Prophet utilized the term "witchet" to highlight the eagle's many claws in its actions. "And I brought it into the land of the Canaanites, and within a fortified city I established it." The Prophet declared, "I will lead it into the land of the Canaanites, and I will position it within a fortified city."