Ezekiel 15
Read Ezekiel 15 (WEB)+
1Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, the vine-branch which is among the trees of the forest? 3Will wood be taken of it to make anything? Will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel on it? 4Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire has devoured both its ends, and the middle of it is burned. Is it profitable for any work? 5Behold, when it was whole, it was suitable for no work. How much less, when the fire has devoured it, and it has been burned, will it yet be suitable for any work?” 6Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh: “As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 7I will set my face against them. They will go out from the fire, but the fire will devour them. Then you will know that I am Yahweh, when I set my face against them. 8I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass,” says the Lord Yahweh.
World English Bible (public domain)
“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 have I given up the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
Ezekiel 15:6
Summary
Ezekiel 15 presents a powerful metaphor comparing the city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants to a vine. The chapter opens with the Lord posing a rhetorical question: what value does the wood of a vine have compared to the wood of other trees? Unlike the strong, useful timber of trees, vine wood is weak and can't be shaped into anything substantial. This allegory serves to illustrate the unfruitfulness and impending judgment of Jerusalem. Because the vine is unproductive, it is destined to be burned as fuel—a symbol of the destruction that awaits the city due to its unfaithfulness and sin. The passage reinforces themes of divine judgment and the consequences of failing to fulfill God's purpose.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Ezekiel 15
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying Ezekiel with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for men.
Chapter outline
How Ezekiel 15 unfolds
Ezekiel 15:1–2 The Vine Metaphor Introduced
Yahweh speaks to Ezekiel, asking him to consider the value of the vine tree compared to other trees, setting the stage for a metaphorical teaching.
Ezekiel 15:3–5 Vine's Worthlessness
The text emphasizes the inadequacy of vine wood for practical use, underscoring its unfruitfulness and the futility of relying on it.
Ezekiel 15:6–7 Judgment Declared
Yahweh declares that just as the vine is destined for fire, so too will the inhabitants of Jerusalem face destruction for their unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel 15:8 Desolation as Consequence
The chapter concludes with a declaration of desolation for the land, highlighting the severe consequences of the people's trespass against God.
Key verses
Ezekiel 15:6The key verse encapsulates the chapter's message about the unfruitfulness of Jerusalem and the resulting judgment.
Main themes in Ezekiel 15
Judgment
Judgment is central in Ezekiel 15, particularly in verse 6 where Yahweh likens the inhabitants of Jerusalem to a vine destined for fire. The chapter illustrates the impending destruction due to their unfaithfulness, signaling the seriousness of their sins. This theme reinforces the message of accountability before God and the dire consequences of disobedience.
Unfaithfulness
The theme of unfaithfulness surfaces prominently as Yahweh uses the vine metaphor to illustrate Jerusalem's failures in bearing fruit, seen in verse 5. The chapter complicates this theme by portraying unfaithfulness as not only a spiritual failing but also a reason for imminent judgment. It emphasizes that unfaithfulness leads to a loss of value and purpose.
Divine Justice
Divine justice is illustrated through Yahweh's decision to bring judgment upon Jerusalem, particularly in verse 7 where he sets his face against them. This chapter shows that justice is not arbitrary but is a response to the people's persistent unfaithfulness. It signifies that God's justice is both inevitable and necessary for restoration.
Spiritual Fruitfulness
Spiritual fruitfulness is highlighted by the metaphor of the vine, which serves as a reminder of what is expected from God's people in their relationship with Him, as seen in verses 2-5. The chapter underscores that a lack of fruitfulness leads to worthlessness, emphasizing the call for genuine faithfulness. This theme serves as a stark warning about the consequences of failing to produce spiritual fruit.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Ezekiel 15
- John 15This passage connects through the theme of the vine, emphasizing the necessity of being fruitful in Christ.
- Ezekiel 14Ezekiel 14 develops the theme of judgment, illustrating how individual unfaithfulness affects the community.
- Ezekiel 20This passage echoes similar themes of rebellion and the consequences faced by God's people.
- Matthew 3Matthew 3 connects through the imagery of judgment regarding fruitlessness, reflecting on the importance of true repentance.
- Ezekiel 19This chapter develops the idea of loss associated with unfaithfulness, paralleling themes of judgment and destruction.
- Jeremiah 21Jeremiah 21 echoes the message of impending judgment upon Jerusalem for its unfaithfulness, reinforcing the prophetic warning.
Study questions
Questions for studying Ezekiel 15
- What rhetorical question does Yahweh ask about the vine tree in verse 2?
- How does the metaphor of the vine illustrate the state of Jerusalem?
- What does the fate of the vine suggest about the inhabitants of Jerusalem?
- In what ways does the chapter highlight the consequences of unfaithfulness?
- How does Yahweh's declaration in verse 6 affirm his authority?
- What does the term 'desolate' in verse 8 convey about the future of the land?
Ezekiel 15: frequently asked questions
What is Ezekiel 15 about?+
What is the key verse in Ezekiel 15?+
What are the main themes of Ezekiel 15?+
Related chapters