2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
2 "Son of man, set forth an allegory and tell it to the Israelites as a parable.
2 "Son of man, propound a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;
2 "Son of man, make a riddle for the house of Israel. Tell them a story.
2 "Son of man, pose a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel,
2 "Son of man, give this riddle, and tell this story to the people of Israel.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
Commentary on Ezekiel 17:1-10
(Read Ezekiel 17:1-10)
Mighty conquerors are aptly likened to birds or beasts of prey, but their destructive passions are overruled to forward God's designs. Those who depart from God, only vary their crimes by changing one carnal confidence for another, and never will prosper.