John Calvin Commentary Ezekiel 17:8

"It was planted in a good soil by many waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine." — Ezekiel 17:8 (ASV)

He exaggerates Zedekiah's ingratitude because, as we have said, the king of Babylon had treated him humanely. For Zedekiah had been only a private man until that time; he was elevated to a throne and to rule over the people beyond his expectation, and he had an avenger if anyone despised him.

For when he was a tributary to the king of Babylon, he would undoubtedly have been assisted by him in adversity. Therefore, his revolt was less excusable, since he had been treated liberally beyond all anticipation.

For this reason it is said, the vine was planted in a good soil, and near many waters, that it might put forth branches and bear fruit, so that it might be a goodly vine.