Ezekiel 17:14

“That the kingdom might be base, &c.] Low or humble; its king but a viceroy, a tributary to the king of Babylon; and the subjects obliged to a tax, payable to him; and this is intended by the vine being of “low stature”, (<261706>Ezekiel 17:6); that it might not lift up itself; above other neighbouring kingdoms and states; and particularly that it might not rebel against Nebuchadnezzar, but be kept in a dependence on him, and subjection to him: [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand; continue a kingdom, and Zedekiah king of it; so that it was for their good that such a covenant was made, and it was their interest to keep it; for, had it not been made, it would have ceased to…”

“That the kingdom might be base--that is, low as to national elevation by being Nebuchadnezzar's dependent; but, at the same time, safe and prosperous, if faithful to the "oath." Nebuchadnezzar dealt sincerely and openly in proposing conditions, and these moderate ones; therefore Zedekiah's treachery was the baser and was a counterpart to their treachery towards God.”

“the kingdom: Eze 17:6, Eze 29:14; Deu 28:43; Sa1 2:7, Sa1 2:30; Neh 9:36, Neh 9:37; Lam 5:10; Mat 22:17-21 base: Or, low; a tributary kingdom, dependent on the king of Babylon. but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand: Heb. to keep his covenant, to stand to it, Jer 27:12-17, Jer 38:17 Ezekiel 17:15”