This article examines some of the early interpretations of Ezekiel 17. It notes the relationship between the metaphor of a tree and kingship in the ancient Near East and then examines how it functioned in 4QEzekiel, the Septuagint, Targum Ezekiel, and the Shepherd of Hermas.

This article notes that many scholars believe that the temple and tree episodes in Matthew 21:12-22 were deliberately placed together. The author wants to examine the theological motifs in Matthew 21:12–17 that prepares the readers to appreciate what is said in the section that follows.