Ezekiel 17:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Because Zedekiah openly despised the oath he swore and broke the covenant despite his pledge, he cannot escape judgment.
The Context of Ezekiel 17:18
Reiteration of Zedekiah's inescapable judgment for breaking his sacred oath.
What Does Ezekiel 17:18 Mean?
'Given his hand' refers to the formal gesture of oath-taking—Zedekiah physically sealed his commitment to Babylon. Yet despite this solemn pledge, he broke it. His despising of the oath was not passive but active rebellion; he 'hath done all these things'—sent ambassadors, sought Egypt's aid, organized resistance.
The conclusion is unambiguous: 'he shall not escape.' Not through Egypt's intervention, not through military skill, not through negotiation. The violation of a sacred oath, especially one made before God, carries inevitable consequences. Zedekiah's escape is impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 17:18
What does Ezekiel 17:18 mean?
Because Zedekiah openly despised the oath he swore and broke the covenant despite his pledge, he cannot escape judgment.
What is the context of Ezekiel 17:18?
Reiteration of Zedekiah's inescapable judgment for breaking his sacred oath.