Behold, it is planted; will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind strikes it—wither away on the bed where it sprouted?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This imagery highlights the futility of relying on shifting alliances, like Zedekiah turning to Egypt. The "east wind," a symbol of destructive power from Babylon, would wither the vine even in its "furrows" – its very place of supposed nourishment and growth. It underscores that true security and flourishing come from God alone, not from human political maneuvers.
Behold, it is planted; will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind strikes it—wither away on the bed where it sprouted?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel has just described a great eagle (representing Nebuchadnezzar) plucking a twig from a cedar and planting it in a fertile land, symbolizing Zedekiah's initial allegiance to Babylon. This verse then poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the inevitable doom of this arrangement, especially after Zedekiah's perfidy in seeking help from another power, the king of Egypt. The "east wind," a symbol of devastating force, represents the impending Babylonian conquest that will utterly destroy the kingdom, regardless of its attempts to flourish in its established "furrows" of alliance.
Ezekiel uses vivid imagery to question the fate of a nation that has broken its covenant. What makes us think our own security is guaranteed, even when we're 'planted'?
The prophet paints a picture of a vine, seemingly well-planted and ready to grow. But the question immediately follows: 'will it thrive?' This isn't a casual query; it's a challenge to the very foundation of hope.
A False Foundation
This 'vine' represents Judah, specifically King Zedekiah. He had been 'planted'—established in power—but he had done so by breaking his allegiance to the king of Babylon and seeking a new alliance with Egypt.
This alliance was like trying to draw life from a different, unfaithful source. The imagery suggests that even though planted, its roots are not truly secure. The hope placed in Egypt is ultimately a fragile one, unable to withstand the coming judgment.
The 'east wind' is more than just weather; it's a symbol of divine judgment. Have you ever faced a 'wind' that seemed to come out of nowhere to destroy your plans?
The east wind in this passage is a powerful metaphor for the destructive force of God's judgment, specifically through the Babylonian army.
A Divine Instrument
Why the east wind? Because Babylon was located to the northeast of Judah. This wind wasn't just a natural phenomenon; it was an instrument in God's hand, a force that would scorch and destroy the fragile vine.
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This imagery highlights how inescapable and complete the judgment would be. It wouldn't just affect the outer leaves; it would strike at the very core, causing the vine to 'utterly wither' even in the familiar 'furrows'—its own homeland—where it once grew.
Understand the original words
qadim · Hebrew Noun
A strong, hot wind often originating from the desert; in biblical imagery, it serves as an instrument of divine judgment, bringing scorching heat, destruction, and desolation to the land.
The vivid imagery of the vine withering under the 'east wind' powerfully communicates the inevitable doom awaiting Judah and King Zedekiah. This wasn't just a natural disaster; it was a divine judgment upon their perfidy, especially their disastrous alliance with Egypt, which the prophet likens to a scorching, destructive wind.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, conquers Judah and deports a portion of the population, including members of the royal family and skilled workers, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Babylonian dominance over Judah.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation and Jehoiachin's Exile
After King Jehoiakim rebels, Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and another large group of Judah's elite to Babylon. Ezekiel is among this group, and his prophetic ministry begins.
c. 589 BC— this verse
Zedekiah's Rebellion and Egyptian Alliance
King Zedekiah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, rebels against Babylon and seeks an alliance with Egypt, defying Ezekiel's warnings to remain loyal to Babylon.
c. 588-586 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem. Despite initial Egyptian intervention, the city falls after a prolonged siege, leading to widespread destruction.
c. 586 BC
Third Deportation and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem, including the Temple, and deport the remaining population to Babylon. This event signifies the end of the Davidic monarchy and the Kingdom of Judah.
This passage also uses the metaphor of a plant withering under a harsh wind to describe the destruction of Jerusalem, highlighting the destructive force that God brings upon His unfaithful people.
Hosea 13:15Here, the east wind is directly linked to divine judgment, symbolizing a destructive force that will bring barrenness and ruin, mirroring the fate of the vine in Ezekiel.
Job 27:21This verse describes the wicked being swept away by a destructive force, personified as a wind, which connects to the idea of a relentless, withering power that brings an end to flourishing.
Isaiah 40:7This passage speaks of the transience of human glory and the frailty of life when faced with God's powerful breath, similar to how the planted vine is vulnerable to the 'east wind'.
cambridgeEzekiel 17:10: "Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew."
10 . Destruction under another figure, that of the east wind, before which vegetation crumbles into dust. Cf. ch. Ezekiel 19:12 ; Hosea 13:15 ; Isaiah 27:8 ; Isaiah 40:7 ; Job 27:21 .
clarkeEzekiel 17:10: "Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew."
Shall - utterly whither - The regal government shall be no more restored. Zedekiah shall be the last king, and the monarchy shall finally terminate with him.
This imagery highlights the futility of relying on shifting alliances, like Zedekiah turning to Egypt. The "east wind," a symbol of destructive power from Babylon, would wither the vine even in its "furrows" – its very place of supposed nourishment and growth. It underscores that true security and flourishing come from God alone, not from human political maneuvers.
Ezekiel has just described a great eagle (representing Nebuchadnezzar) plucking a twig from a cedar and planting it in a fertile land, symbolizing Zedekiah's initial allegiance to Babylon. This verse then poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the inevitable doom of this arrangement, especially after Zedekiah's perfidy in seeking help from another power, the king of Egypt. The "east wind," a symbol of devastating force, represents the impending Babylonian conquest that will utterly destroy the kingdom, regardless of its attempts to flourish in its established "furrows" of alliance.
Ezekiel has just described a great eagle (representing Nebuchadnezzar) plucking a twig from a cedar and planting it in a fertile land, symbolizing Zedekiah's initial allegiance to Babylon. This verse then poses a rhetorical question, highlighting the inevitable doom of this arrangement, especially after Zedekiah's perfidy in seeking help from another power, the king of Egypt. The "east wind," a symbol of devastating force, represents the impending Babylonian conquest that will utterly destroy the kingdom, regardless of its attempts to flourish in its established "furrows" of alliance.
"Behold, it is planted; will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind strikes it—wither away on the bed where it sprouted?”" — This imagery highlights the futility of relying on shifting alliances, like Zedekiah turning to Egypt. The "east wind," a symbol of destructive power from Babylon, would wither the vine even in its "…
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Last reviewed October 2026