The first eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The cedar sprig represents Jehoiachin, whom Nebuchadnezzar took away to Babylon. The plant that later grew into a low vine represents Zedekiah. The second eagle represents Egypt. Zedekiah asked Egypt for help because he wanted to break free from Babylon’s rule.
The hot east wind represents judgment from Babylon. This wind pulled up and dried out Jerusalem. In other words, Babylon destroyed the city as an act of judgment.
The picture of the eagle caring for the vine may describe God’s care for Israel more than Nebuchadnezzar’s concern for Zedekiah. This comparison shows an important lesson. Zedekiah rebelled against his overlord (the king who ruled over him), Nebuchadnezzar. In a similar way, Israel rebelled against the Lord.
Zedekiah’s rebellion against Babylon was extremely foolish. It led to destruction and death. Israel’s rebellion against the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, was even more foolish.