8. (a) To what were Babylon and Egypt likened? (b) How should Zedekiah’s breaking of his oath affect us?

⁸ Next, the rulers of Babylon and Egypt were likened to great eagles. One broke off the top of a cedar tree by removing King Jehoiachin and replacing him with Zedekiah.

9, 10. (a) What prophecy is recorded at Ezekiel 17:22-24, but what must be done if we are to benefit from the fulfillment of it? (b) Who is responsible for the consequences of our conduct?

⁹ Heartening Messianic prophecy comes next. (Read Ezekiel 17:22-24.) Here, “a tender one” is the Messianic King, Jesus Christ. Planted by Jehovah on heavenly Mount Zion, he would become “a majestic cedar,” a source of protection and blessing as he ruled over the earth. (Revelation 14:1) In this we can indeed take heart.