Ezekiel 15
Ezekiel 15 uses the image of a vine to represent Jerusalem and its people, focusing on its uselessness when it fails to fulfill its purpose. God compares Jerusalem to a fruitless vine that serves no purpose other than to be burned. This chapter underscores the theme of judgment, as God expresses His disappointment with Jerusalem's unfaithfulness and warns of its impending destruction due to its sins.
Ezekiel 15:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
2 “Son of man, how is the wood of the vine better than any other wood, the vine branch which is among the trees of the forest?
God speaks to Ezekiel, using the analogy of a vine to convey a message about Jerusalem. A vine’s wood, unlike other types, lacks strength and usefulness for building. This comparison emphasizes that, without fruit, a vine has little to offer. God is pointing out that, similarly, Jerusalem has failed to fulfill its purpose and lacks the spiritual strength expected of it.
Ezekiel 15:3 (NKJV)
3 Is wood taken from it to make any object? Or can men make a peg from it to hang any vessel on?
The wood of a vine cannot be used for construction or even for making a simple peg, reinforcing the notion that it is inherently unsuitable for meaningful use. This suggests that, like the vine wood, Jerusalem has become spiritually worthless, as it has not upheld its calling to be faithful to God and act as a beacon to other nations.
Ezekiel 15:4 (NKJV)
4 Instead, it is thrown into the fire for fuel; the fire devours both ends of it, and its middle is burned. Is it useful for any work?
When a vine is useless for construction, it is only fit to be burned as fuel. This is symbolic of God’s judgment on Jerusalem, which, having failed to bear fruit, will face destruction. The burning of both ends, with the middle also scorched, illustrates the complete and thorough judgment that will befall the city due to its spiritual failure.
Ezekiel 15:5 (NKJV)
5 Indeed, when it was whole, no object could be made from it. How much less will it be useful for any work when the fire has devoured it, and it is burned?
Even when unburned, vine wood is unsuitable for crafting objects. After it has been scorched, it is even more useless. This illustrates that Jerusalem, which was already failing in its purpose, is now even more incapable of fulfilling its calling, as its moral and spiritual condition has deteriorated further.
Ezekiel 15:6 (NKJV)
6 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
God declares that just as the vine wood is given to the fire, so too will He give up the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This pronouncement of judgment underscores the seriousness of Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness and lack of spiritual fruit. The people’s persistent sins have rendered them subject to the divine judgment represented by fire.
Ezekiel 15:7 (NKJV)
7 And I will set My face against them. They will go out from one fire, but another fire shall devour them. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I set My face against them.
God’s decision to “set His face against them” signifies His determined judgment upon Jerusalem. Although they may escape one form of destruction, another will follow, ensuring that the judgment is complete. This serves as a warning that God’s authority and justice are inescapable, reinforcing that they will ultimately recognize His sovereignty.
Ezekiel 15:8 (NKJV)
8 Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have persisted in unfaithfulness,’ says the Lord God.”
God concludes by stating that He will make the land desolate as a consequence of the people’s unfaithfulness. This desolation represents both a physical and spiritual wasteland, showing the serious repercussions of abandoning a covenant relationship with God. The people’s persistent disobedience has led to this final consequence, demonstrating the seriousness with which God views covenantal faithfulness.