Ezekiel 17:22,23 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

I will also take of the highest branch, &c. God, having spoken of Jerusalem, in the first part of this chapter, under the figure of a cedar, and the king of it as the highest branch of the cedar, here carries his view to farther scenes, and, after having acquainted his prophet with the fate of Zedekiah, informs him, that as Nebuchadnezzar had taken of the seed of the land, (or the king,) and planted it, so he himself would take of the highest branch of the cedar and set it, &c. This appears plainly to be a prediction of the restoration of the royal family of David; and it was in some degree fulfilled at the return from the captivity, when Zerubbabel, of the lineage of David, had a shadow of kingly authority among the Jews, and by his means their state was again restored. But if the words be properly examined, the expressions will be found to be such as, in their full sense, can only belong to Christ and his kingdom, which shall be extended over all the world. I will crop off from the young twigs a tender one This may fitly be applied to our Saviour, in respect to the low estate to which the family of David was then reduced, and the meanness of Christ's outward condition and appearance: see Isaiah 53:2. And will plant it upon a high mountain Upon mount Zion, a type of the gospel church; and eminent Not for outward splendour, but for spiritual advantages. In the mountain of the height of Israel In Jerusalem, the capital city of my people, will I plant it I will make him ruler of my church. He alludes to the temple placed on mount Moriah, a part of mount Zion, thence styled God's holy mountain; which expression is often used in the prophets to denote the Christian Church, which is described as a city set on a hill, and conspicuous to all the world. And it shall bring forth boughs Have many members and subjects; and bear fruit Do much good. The living members of the church are often compared to fruitful trees and flourishing branches. And be a goodly cedar The most happy society in the world, Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 144:15. And under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing Persons of all nations shall become members of it. A powerful, especially if it be a mild government, is a shelter and security to all its subjects: compare Ezekiel 31:6; Daniel 4:12. Such shall the kingdom of Christ be to all that submit themselves to his laws.