Yehezkel 17-18

In the prophecy in perek 17 Yehezkel uses parables from the world of plants and animals to describe the events at the end of the Kingdom of Judah: The exile of Yehoyachin, the crowning of Tzidkiyahu and his rebellion in Babylonia (1-10). In the continuation of the perek the prophet rebukes the Kingdom of Judah for breaking the covenant with Nevuchadnezzar (15-20) and foresees serious repercussions to the revolt of Tzidkiyahu against the king of Babylonia. The prophecy ends with words of consolation which tell of the return to Zion (22-24).

The question of intergenerational reward and punishment disturbed the generation of the destruction, and created a feeling of despair and hopelessness because of the sins of the previous generaions. This prevented them from trying to correct their ways and repent. The parable here is rooted in folk sayings, and expresses the widespread perception among the people: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?" (2).  The prophet counters this by saying: "Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine; the soul that sins, it shall die." (4). The personal responsibility and free choice of each person are the fundamental principles which are the basis for this perek.