Yehezkel continues his criticism of Tzidkiyahu by means of a parable. By relying on the king of Egypt to aid him and rebelling against Nevukhadnetzar, Tzidkiyahu decreed his own death in Babylonia. This violation was a grave breach of trust.  Yehezkel goes further by comparing the violation of the covenant with Nevukhadnetzar to violation of the covenant with God.

This conclusion to the prophecy indicates that the potential for renewal of the monarchy in Israel rests with Yehoyakhin, who is in exile. This conclusion once again emphasizes the unique status of Yehoyakhin in Sefer Yehezkel; and, indeed, it is Zerubavel – the grandson of Yehoyakhin – who will eventually lead the nation at the start of the Second Temple period.

 
Rebellion against Babylon
Parable
Exile of Yehoyakhin
Relying on Egyptian Assistance
Remnant in Jerusalem vs. Exile in Babylon
Parable of the Vineyard
Yehoyakhin's Future
Yehoyakhin in Babylonia
Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion