King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:15 in the King James Version says “But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shal... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Ezekiel 17:15 · KJV


Context

13

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: taken an: Heb. brought him to an oath

14

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand. but: Heb. to keep his covenant, to stand to it

15

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

16

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die.

17

Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zedekiah 'rebelled...in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people.' Seeking Egyptian military aid violated treaty and God's commands. Rhetorical questions expect negative answers. Hebrew parar ('break') suggests shattering what should bind. Covenant-breaking brings consequences, not deliverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lachish letters (archaeological evidence) mention watching for signals during Babylonian siege, confirming the desperate situation. Letters reference officials going to Egypt, corroborating biblical accounts. Pharaoh Hophra's army briefly advanced (Jeremiah 37:5), causing temporary Babylonian withdrawal before returning with fury.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern 'Egyptian horses' tempt us to trust human solutions over God?
  2. How does covenant-breaking in relationships demonstrate our theology of commitment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּמְרָד1 of 17

But he rebelled

H4775

to rebel

בּ֗וֹ2 of 17
H0
לִשְׁלֹ֤חַ3 of 17

against him in sending

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מַלְאָכָיו֙4 of 17

his ambassadors

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

מִצְרַ֔יִם5 of 17

into Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לָֽתֶת6 of 17

that they might give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֥וֹ7 of 17
H0
סוּסִ֖ים8 of 17

him horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וְעַם9 of 17

people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רָ֑ב10 of 17

and much

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

הֲיִצְלָ֤ח11 of 17

Shall he prosper

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

וְנִמְלָֽט׃12 of 17

and be delivered

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

הָעֹשֵׂ֣ה13 of 17

that doeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֔לֶּה14 of 17
H428

these or those

וְהֵפֵ֥ר15 of 17

such things or shall he break

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

בְּרִ֖ית16 of 17

the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְנִמְלָֽט׃17 of 17

and be delivered

H4422

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 17:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study