Ezekiel 15

As we consider this chapter and apply it to the church in our generation, may it “awaken us to fruitfulness” as Wesley so aptly describes in his notes which follow this chapter.

 Ezekiel 15

1	And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2	Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?
3	Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?
4	Behold, 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?
5	Behold, 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?
6	Therefore 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.
7	And 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.
8	And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.

 

God by the similitude of a vine, foreshews the utter destruction of Jerusalem, ver. 1-8.

2. The vine-tree – Israel is here compared to a vine, which, when fruitless, is utterly unprofitable. This the prophet minds them of to humble them, and awaken them to fruitfulness. A branch – One branch of a tree in the forest is of more use than the whole vine- tree is, except for its fruit.3. A pin – Will it afford even a pin to drive into a wall or post, on which you may safely fasten any weight.4. For fuel – When for its barrenness it is cut down, it is fit only to burn.6. Given – Doomed for food to the fire.8. Because – They have been so perpetually trespassing, that it seems a continued act.