“I think that I shall never see / A poem lovely as a tree,” wrote poet Joyce Kilmer in “Trees.” Indeed, everything made by our Creator God is a work of art. His description continues: “A tree that looks at God all day, / And lifts her leafy arms to pray… Poems are made by fools like me, / But only God can make a tree.”
In Ezekiel 17, God plants a cedar tree as an image of His faithfulness. So far this month we’ve seen farming imagery and language used about both people (for example, reaping what we sow) and God (for example, sending fruitful harvests). Here, the Lord announces He will plant a cedar shoot (young tree) on the top of a high mountain (v. 22). It looks small to begin with, but it has the potential to become a towering tree. The “high and lofty mountain” likely symbolizes Jerusalem. Sure enough, the cedar twig will become a “splendid cedar” (v. 23). This won’t happen overnight. The growth of a tree is slow but steady, that is to say, God’s plans take time to unfold. In time, the birds will nest and find shelter in the mature tree. This picture usually indicates safety or security.
God can do this because He is sovereign over all nations (“the trees of the forest”). He can bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall,” or “dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish” (v. 24; cf. Ps. 75:6–7; Luke 1:51–53). What He has said He will do is as good as done (see Heb. 11:1). In context, Ezekiel’s images are messianic. Just as Isaiah had spoken of a Branch from the “stump of Jesse” (Isa. 11:1–5), so Ezekiel wrote here of a flourishing cedar tree.
Go Deeper
Are we patient enough with God’s plans? That is, do we hold on to faith while the tree is growing? What can we do to strengthen our faith during difficult seasons?
Pray with Us
Holy Father, thank You for keeping all Your promises. When we are tired of waiting, bring to our minds all the times You have shown your faithfulness. Help us trust Your plan.
It will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar.Ezekiel 17:23
