John Calvin Commentary Ezekiel 17:24

"And all the trees of the field shall know that I, Jehovah, 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, Jehovah, have spoken and have done it." — Ezekiel 17:24 (ASV)

In this verse the Prophet indicates that God’s work would be memorable. For when he says that all trees should feel themselves in God’s hand and power—to raise what was fallen, and to cast down and prostrate what was elevated—he undoubtedly expresses no common action. By trees he means all the kings of the earth, and all who possess any dignity.

For he continues his own metaphor: as he called the kingdom of Christ a tree or cedar which grew from a small twig, so he now speaks metaphorically of kings when he says, that all should take notice; for they shall know that Jehovah brings down the high tree.

Ezekiel may here seem to be inconsistent with himself, as I have already noticed, because God said that he would take from a lofty cedar a little twig, which he wished to plant; but he now says that God would raise what was low and lowly. But we have resolved this apparent contradiction. This is because, from the beginning, Christ was in the glory of his Father; and thus, as Micah says, his beginning was from eternity (Micah 5:2).

This excellence of Christ, therefore, is noted because, from the time when God established David’s throne, he at the same time gave a visible sign of the more excellent kingdom which was then secretly hoped for. For this reason Christ was taken from his lofty place; and since he not only put on the form of a slave but emptied himself even to death (Philippians 2:7), it is not surprising that the Prophet should say, like a tree cast down.

Although, as I have remarked, this statement is not to be restricted to the person of Christ but should be understood as adapted to his kingdom—that is, to his manner and way of governing. For we know, and as has been recently stated, the gospel is like a scepter by which Christ subdues all people and rules them for himself.

Now, if we reflect on what the preaching of the gospel was, we shall see, as in a mirror, the Prophet’s meaning here: that the low tree was elevated. No one would have thought that from such slender beginnings the increase which God afterwards bestowed on it could arise. It follows, then, that its height was wonderful, since it could not be comprehended by human senses.

Meanwhile he adds, I am he who humbles the lofty tree, which is not only understood concerning the Jews but, in my judgment, embraces all the empires and principalities of the world. God, therefore, humbles lofty trees because whatever opposes itself to Christ’s kingdom must necessarily fall; and this is described more fully in Daniel (Daniel 4).

For although all the empires of the world are founded in Christ and sustained by his power, yet, since earthly kings rise up and desire to overthrow Christ, their pride is the reason why Christ’s empire causes their ruin.

This contrast, then, must be noted: God sets up low trees, or takes them away, and casts down lofty ones. We are taught this so that we may hope for more from the reign of Christ than we can estimate by our senses. For if we look around us, many things confront us that diminish and weaken our hope.

For what is the outward appearance of Christ’s kingdom? Truly, we shall feel nothing but despair if we judge Christ’s kingdom by the present state of affairs. But when we see how the gospel creeps along the ground, this passage should come to our minds: that God will raise up the tree that is lowly and contemptible.

At the same time, let us learn that the changes which happen and are perceived in the world are to be attributed to the pride of those who are blinded by their own boasting. For kings, as we have said, forget that they are men and so rebel against God; therefore, they must necessarily fall.

If this is not fulfilled immediately, let us learn to wait patiently for the fulfillment of this prophecy. Whatever happens, God has so established the kingdom of Christ alone that it shall last as long as the sun and moon. But the other empires of the world shall vanish with their own splendor, and their loftiness shall fall, although at present they overtop the clouds. I, says Jehovah, have spoken, and I will do it.

God here reminds the faithful of his power, because from the time the people were dispersed—I speak of the final overthrow of the city and temple—there was no hope of restoration. Therefore, since it was difficult to persuade people of what God now proclaims, he pointedly brings forward his own prowess. His purpose is that people, by restraining their carnal senses, might raise themselves above the world and wait for the inestimable prowess of God, which does not yet appear to them.