יחזקאל, פרק י״ז, פסוק ז׳

A sharp shift in political alliances unfolds as a new figure enters the prophetic parable. The vine, which had been carefully planted and nurtured by one empire, suddenly turns its attention toward a new patron. The commentators agree that this newly arrived eagle represents Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. While he possesses large wings and an abundance of feathers, marking a certain level of temporary strength, he is noticeably different from the first eagle. He lacks the long pinions and the striking, diverse beauty of his predecessor, illustrating that his power and glory are ultimately inferior to those of the Babylonian king [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, רד״ק].

Historically, this vine represents King Zedekiah. Rather than remaining loyal and submissive to the king of Babylon, Zedekiah attempts to raise his own standing. Even though he is not in any actual distress, he mistakenly believes that aligning with Egypt will bring him greater wealth and blessing [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This betrayal is depicted through the vine shifting its roots toward the new eagle. Commentators offer varying perspectives on the nature of this movement. Some describe it as a deep hunger and thirst, with the roots craving to connect and draw nourishment from the Egyptian power [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. Others understand it as the vine actively gathering its roots to lean on and place its trust in this new patron [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון], while another approach views it simply as the vine bending its base toward him [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Following the movement of its roots, the vine extends its branches outward. This physical reach represents Zedekiah actively sending messengers, bribes, and tributes to Pharaoh in a bid for military support [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. The ultimate purpose of this outreach reveals a striking paradox. The vine asks the second eagle to water it from the very same organized planting beds and water trenches originally prepared for it by the first eagle. In the historical reality, Zedekiah turns to the king of Egypt, asking him to help defend and secure the exact kingship, honor, and royal status that Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had originally bestowed upon him [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק].