Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 17:2

2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel.

A dark saying, which calls for thorough consideration to understand, and apply it, because the meaning is different to the sound of the words.

The same thing redoubled in different words. And 'tis likely the Prophet is commanded to use a parable, because those Eastern People were much used to, and taken with this kind of discourse.

i. e. The remainders of the house of Israel, whether of the ten Tribes, or of the Two Tribes.

These two verses are preface to what follows in the Chapter.