Ezekiel 15

King James Version

Full text for Ezekiel Chapter 15

1¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

2Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, [or than] a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

3Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will [men] take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?

4Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for [any] work?

5Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for [any] work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?

6Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

7And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.

8And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Ezekiel 15 presents an analogy comparing Jerusalem to a vine tree. The Lord questions the utility of vine wood, noting its inherent weakness and suitability only for fuel, even less so after being burned. This metaphor signifies that the inhabitants of Jerusalem, like the useless vine, are destined for divine judgment and desolation due to their trespasses.

Medium Summary

The chapter begins with the word of the Lord to Ezekiel, posing a rhetorical question about the inherent worth of a vine tree compared to other trees of the forest. It highlights that vine wood is uniquely unsuitable for any practical work, such as crafting tools or hanging vessels, due to its weakness. The text then describes the vine being cast into the fire for fuel, emphasizing that if it was useless when whole, it is utterly worthless after being consumed by flames. The Lord then directly applies this parable to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, declaring that He will deliver them to the fire of judgment, just as the vine is given for fuel. This divine judgment is presented as a continuous process, where they will escape one tribulation only to face another. Ultimately, God states His intention to make the land desolate because of their persistent trespasses, affirming His sovereignty through these acts of judgment.

Long Summary

Ezekiel chapter 15 records a profound message from the Lord concerning the fate of Jerusalem, conveyed through the vivid imagery of a vine tree. The divine inquiry begins by asking what distinguishes a vine tree from any other tree in the forest, particularly a branch among them. The Lord then immediately points out the practical uselessness of vine wood, questioning whether it can be employed for any constructive work, such as making a peg or a utensil. The inherent weakness and unsuitability of vine wood for building or craftsmanship are thereby established. The passage proceeds to illustrate the vine's destiny as fuel for fire, noting how the flames consume both its ends and its middle. This destruction further diminishes any conceivable utility, making it clear that if the vine was unfit for work when whole, it is entirely worthless after being burned. This stark imagery serves as a powerful preamble to the Lord's direct application of the metaphor. God declares that just as the vine tree is given to the fire for fuel, so too will He deliver the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He asserts His divine opposition, stating, "I will set my face against them," indicating a resolute and severe judgment. The prophecy foretells a continuous cycle of tribulation, where the people will emerge from one "fire" only to be consumed by another, signifying relentless divine chastisement. Through these judgments, the people are intended to recognize the Lord's sovereignty and power. The chapter concludes by explicitly stating the reason for this impending desolation: the inhabitants of Jerusalem have committed a trespass against the Lord, thereby incurring His righteous wrath and the ultimate devastation of their land.

Core Concepts

  • The Useless VineThe vine tree is depicted as inherently weak and unsuitable for any practical work or construction, unlike other trees of the forest. Its wood offers no utility for building or crafting, even when whole.
  • Destined for FireDue to its lack of practical utility, the vine's wood is fit only to be cast into the fire for fuel. Even after being burned, it remains utterly worthless for any other purpose.
  • Jerusalem's Spiritual StateJerusalem and its inhabitants are directly compared to this useless vine, signifying their spiritual barrenness and lack of fruitfulness in God's eyes. They have failed to produce righteous deeds.
  • Divine JudgmentGod declares His intention to deliver the inhabitants of Jerusalem to "the fire," symbolizing severe and continuous judgment and desolation. They will experience relentless tribulation.
  • Consequences of TrespassThe impending desolation of the land and the judgment upon its people are explicitly stated as a direct consequence of their committed trespasses against the Lord. Their unfaithfulness has brought about this wrath.
  • Recognition of God's SovereigntyThrough these acts of judgment and desolation, the people are intended to "know that I am the LORD." This experience will lead to an undeniable acknowledgment of His power and authority.