Ezekiel Chapter 15 — The Parable of the Useless Vine
In this chapter, God uses a parable to compare the people of Jerusalem to the wood of a vine, which is useless for building and only fit for the fire.
1The LORD’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 the Lord GOD says: “As the vine wood 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 still devour them. Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them.
8I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,” says the Lord GOD.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Ezekiel 15:2
“Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, the vine branch which is among the trees of the forest?”
This verse introduces the central comparison of the chapter, questioning the value of a vine's wood compared to other trees.
Ezekiel 15:6
“Therefore the Lord GOD says: As the vine wood among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
This verse directly links the parable of the useless wood to the impending fate of the people in Jerusalem.
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel Chapter 15 contains a brief but potent message delivered through the metaphor of a vine tree. Unlike the sturdy wood of forest trees used for construction or crafting tools, vine wood is described as weak and brittle. God asks Ezekiel if such wood could even be used to make a simple pin for hanging a vessel. The text emphasizes that vine wood is essentially useless for any work, especially after it has been charred by fire at both ends. This imagery is then applied to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Because they have acted unfaithfully, God declares that He has set His face against them. Just as vine wood is cast into the fire as fuel, the people will face a judgment that devours them. The chapter concludes with the warning that the land will be made desolate so that the people will recognize the authority of the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
The vine represents the inhabitants of Jerusalem. While a vine is valuable for its fruit, its wood is useless for building, symbolizing that without faithfulness, the people have no inherent strength to save themselves.
The fire symbolizes the divine judgment and destruction coming upon Jerusalem. The text suggests that even if the people escape one calamity, the 'fire' of judgment will continue to pursue them until they are consumed.
Vine wood is described as being too weak to be used for any constructive work, such as making tools or even a small peg. Once it is burned or charred, its value decreases even further, making it fit only for fuel.
Study Note
In the ancient Near East, the grapevine (gephen) was highly valued for its grapes, but its wood was known to be soft and useless for carpentry, a fact Ezekiel uses to highlight Jerusalem's lack of practical or spiritual utility apart from its intended purpose.
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