Ezekiel 17:24

Then all the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD. I bring the tall tree down and make the low tree tall. I dry up the green tree and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done it.’”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — God addresses the exiled community through Ezekiel, concluding the parable of the two eagles and the uprooted cedar. He speaks immediately after describing a new shoot planted on Israel’s mountain to reveal His absolute authority over political rise and fall.

The words — The Hebrew יָדְעוּ (ya.de.'U) literally means “they will know,” and הִשְׁפַּלְתִּי (hish.Pal.ti) translates to “I bring low.” These terms ground the declaration that natural and political powers are subject to Yahweh’s direct action.

The thread — The pattern of God humbling the exalted and lifting the lowly recurs in Isaiah 26:5, where He casts down the lofty city, and in 1 Corinthians 1:27, where He chooses the weak to shame the strong. Amos 9:11 also reflects this thread by promising the restoration of what has been brought down.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that historical outcomes are not accidental but directed by divine will. It requires the reader to cease attributing sovereignty to human power and submit to the reality that God alone determines elevation and ruin.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the Lord have spoken and have done it.

Cross-references

Amos 9:11 “In that day I will restore the fallen tent of David. I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old,
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Isaiah 26:5 For He has humbled those who dwell on high; He lays the lofty city low. He brings it down to the ground; He casts it into the dust.
Ezekiel 24:14 I, the LORD, have spoken; the time is coming, and I will act. I will not refrain or show pity, nor will I relent. I will judge you according to your ways and deeds,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
Luke 1:52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.
1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.
Psalms 75:6 For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert,
Isaiah 55:12 You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Ezekiel 12:25 because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’”
Ezekiel 21:26 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.