Old Testament
Ezekiel 15
Overview
In a brief but pointed parable, the LORD asks what good the wood of the vine is compared with the wood of a forest tree. A vine yields no timber, makes no useful peg, and once charred at both ends by fire is good for nothing at all. So God declares Jerusalem to be like that burnt vine-wood—fit only for the fire—because its inhabitants have been unfaithful, and He will set His face against them.
1And 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.