Old Testament
Ezekiel 17:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a king who decides to go against Babylon by reaching out to Egypt for help.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending ambassadors to Egypt, asking for horses and a large army. Will he succeed? Can anyone do something like this and get away with it? Can he break a covenant and still escape?
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?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a king who decides to go against Babylon by reaching out to Egypt for help. He hopes to gather horses and a strong army to support his rebellion. The text questions whether this king will be successful in his plans. It challenges the idea that someone can break a promise or a covenant and still come out unscathed. This situation reflects a deeper truth about trust and loyalty. When we make commitments, we should honor them, as breaking them can lead to serious consequences. The king's actions serve as a warning about the dangers of betrayal and the importance of staying true to our word. Ultimately, the passage invites us to consider the weight of our decisions and the impact they have on our lives and relationships. It reminds us that seeking help in the wrong places can lead to downfall rather than success. The king's rebellion is a cautionary tale about the choices we make and their lasting effects on our future and integrity. It encourages us to think carefully before acting.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 17:15 to your life
Consider the commitments you have made in your life. Are you honoring them, or are you tempted to break them for immediate gain? Reflect on the long-term impact of your choices and seek support from trustworthy sources. Remember, true strength lies in loyalty and integrity, not in betrayal or shortcuts to power. Choose wisely in your relationships and decisions, as they shape your future significantly. “Be true to your word.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 17:15 mean?
Ezekiel 17:15 describes a king who rebels against Babylon by seeking help from Egypt for military support. The verse questions whether he will succeed in his rebellion and highlights the consequences of breaking a covenant.
What is the meaning of rebellion in Ezekiel 17:15?
In Ezekiel 17:15, rebellion refers to the king's decision to defy Babylon's authority by reaching out to Egypt for assistance. This act of defiance raises questions about loyalty and the repercussions of breaking agreements.
What does breaking a covenant mean in Ezekiel 17:15?
Breaking a covenant in Ezekiel 17:15 means violating an agreement or promise made, which can lead to serious consequences. The verse emphasizes that such actions may not go unpunished.
How does Ezekiel 17:15 relate to loyalty?
Ezekiel 17:15 highlights the importance of loyalty by showing the negative outcomes of betrayal. The king's rebellion serves as a warning about the risks of abandoning commitments and seeking power through untrustworthy means.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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