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Ezekiel, 15

1. Thus the word of the LORD came to me:

2. Son of man, what makes the wood of the vine better than any other wood? That branch among the trees of the forest!

3. Can you use its wood to make anything worthwhile? Can you make even a peg from it, to hang on it any kind of vessel?

4. If you throw it on the fire as fuel and the fire devours both ends and even the middle is scorched, is it still good for anything?

5. Why, even when it was whole it was good for nothing; how much less, when the fire has devoured and scorched it, can it be used for anything!

6. Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have destined as fuel for the fire, do I make the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

7. I will set my face against them; they have escaped from the fire, but the fire shall devour them. Thus you shall know that I am the LORD, when I turn my face against them.

8. I will make the land a waste, because they have broken faith, says the Lord GOD.


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Footnotes:

15:1-5 - The Lord compares Jerusalem to a useless vine, which cannot even be used for making wood. Jerusalem's uselessness is related to her rebellion and lack of faithfulness to God (see also Isaiah 5:1-7 and John 15:5).

15:6-8 - God's judgment is announced upon Jerusalem, and the city will be destroyed. The city's lack of repentance and moral corruption lead to its judgment. God's justice is clear: those who reject His word will face His consequences (see also Lamentations 4:20-22 and Matthew 23:37-39).

Verses related to Ezekiel, 15:

Ezekiel chapter 15 compares Jerusalem to a useless vine. What lesson does God teach through this metaphor? This concise text questions the value of a vine that does not produce fruit. The chapter illustrates how Jerusalem, like the wood of the vine, is fit only for the fire of divine judgment. This analogy emphasizes God's expectation for spiritual fruitfulness and the consequences of unfaithfulness. Consider with us five biblical passages that elucidate the principles of spiritual productivity presented in this metaphorical chapter.

John 15:6: "If anyone does not abide in me, he will be like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." - Jesus uses a metaphor similar to that in Ezekiel 15:1-8, comparing unfaithful people to useless branches.

Romans 11:17-21: "If some branches have been cut off, and you, being a wild olive tree, have been grafted in among the others and now partake of the sap that comes from the root of the olive tree, do not boast against those branches. If you do, know that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. [...] For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either." - Paul uses a tree metaphor similar to that in Ezekiel 15, warning against unfaithfulness.

Matthew 3:10: "The ax has already been placed at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." - John the Baptist uses a similar metaphor to that in Ezekiel 15, warning of impending judgment.

Psalms 80:8-16: "You brought a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and planted it. [...] Why did you tear down your fence, allowing everyone who passes by to pick up your grapes?" - This psalm uses the metaphor of the vine for Israel, similar to that of Ezekiel 15, contrasting God's care with the people's unfaithfulness.

Isaiah 5:1-7: "I will sing to my beloved a song of my beloved, about his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. [...] Well, the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the nation of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plantation that he loved. He expected justice, but there was bloodshed; He expected righteousness, but he heard cries of distress." - Isaiah uses a parable of the vineyard similar to the metaphor in Ezekiel 15 describing Israel's unfaithfulness.

FAQ:

What does the parable of the vine in Ezekiel 15 mean?

The parable of the vine shows that just as the vine is useless outside the land, Israel will be useless without obedience to God, and will be destroyed. (Ezekiel 15:1-8)

Why is the vine compared to Israel in Ezekiel 15?

The vine is compared to Israel because, just as the vine is worthless without being planted in the earth, Israel without God is worthless. (Ezekiel 15:2)

What does the destruction of the vine symbolize for Israel in Ezekiel 15?

The destruction of the vine symbolizes God's punishment for those who reject His word, resulting in uselessness and destruction. (Ezekiel 15:6-7)

How does the futility of the vine apply to God's people in Ezekiel 15?

The futility of the vine represents Israel's inability to fulfill its mission to be a light to the nations without faithfulness to God. (Ezekiel 15:4-5)

What does God teach about the futility of idolatry in Ezekiel 15?

The parable of the vine teaches that idolatry and disobedience to God make Israel useless, like a dry and worthless vine. (Ezekiel 15:3-5)


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