Ezekiel 15:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; As the vine {H1612} tree {H6086} among the trees {H6086} of the forest {H3293}, which I have given {H5414} to the fire {H784} for fuel {H402}, so will I give {H5414} the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'Like wood from the vine among the trees of the forest, which I consign to the fire as fuel, so I give those living in Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the people of Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 15:6 delivers a stark prophetic oracle from the Lord GOD, employing the vivid analogy of a vine tree deemed utterly worthless for any purpose other than fuel. This powerful comparison underscores God's severe and impending judgment upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, highlighting their profound spiritual unfruitfulness and persistent rebellion, which rendered them fit only for divine consumption and purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a concise yet potent prophetic oracle found in [Ezekiel chapter 15](/ezekiel/15 "Ezekiel 15 - The Parable of the Useless Vine"), which serves as a self-contained parable. Immediately preceding this chapter, Ezekiel has delivered messages of judgment against Jerusalem for its idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple")-[Ezekiel 11](/ezekiel/11 "Ezekiel 11 - God's Glory Departs Jerusalem")). Chapter 15 specifically addresses the question of Jerusalem's inherent value and purpose in God's eyes. Unlike other trees whose wood might be useful for construction or crafting, the vine is unique in that its wood is weak and unsuitable for building; its sole purpose is to bear fruit. If it fails in this primary function, it is deemed useless and fit only for burning. The subsequent chapters continue the theme of judgment, particularly [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness") and [Ezekiel 17](/ezekiel/17 "Ezekiel 17 - Parable of the Eagles and the Vine"), which further elaborate on Jerusalem's spiritual adultery and covenant breaking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 15 was delivered during the Babylonian exile, likely around 593-592 BC, to the Jewish exiles by the river Chebar. Jerusalem, though not yet utterly destroyed, was under Babylonian siege or soon to be, having already seen a significant portion of its population deported. In ancient Israel, the vine was a pervasive and cherished symbol, often representing the nation of Israel itself, God's chosen people, whom He had planted and cultivated with great care (e.g., [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalm/80-8 "Psalm 80:8-16 - The Vine from Egypt") and [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). This imagery evoked a deep sense of privilege and covenant relationship. However, the consistent prophetic message was that this vine, Israel, had failed to produce the fruit of righteousness and obedience expected by its divine Vinedresser. The cultural understanding of a vine's wood as inherently weak and useless for anything but burning if it did not bear fruit made the analogy particularly devastating for the exiles, who still clung to the notion of Jerusalem's inviolability.
* **Key Themes:** The central message of [Ezekiel 15](/ezekiel/15 "Ezekiel 15 - The Parable of the Useless Vine") and specifically [Ezekiel 15:6](/ezekiel/15-6 "Ezekiel 15:6 - The Useless Vine") revolves around several critical themes. Firstly, **Divine Judgment** is unequivocally declared, emphasizing God's sovereign right and intention to judge His people for their unfaithfulness. The phrase "so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem" highlights God's active role in their impending doom. Secondly, the passage powerfully conveys the theme of **Unfruitfulness and Worthlessness**. Jerusalem, representing the covenant people, had failed to produce the spiritual fruit of justice, righteousness, and obedience, rendering them worthless in God's eyes for their intended purpose as a light to the nations. This unfruitfulness is the direct cause of their judgment. Lastly, the prophecy underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**. The "fire for fuel" symbolizes the destructive and purifying consequences of their persistent rebellion and spiritual barrenness, signifying the complete consumption and eradication of their perceived value and security, ultimately leading to the destruction of the city and temple, and further exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vine (Hebrew, _gephen'_):** From an unused root meaning to bend; a vine (as twining), especially the grape; vine, tree. This word is crucial as it establishes the central metaphor. In biblical imagery, the vine often symbolizes Israel, highlighting their special relationship with God as His cultivated plant. The emphasis here is on the *type* of tree – one whose value is solely in its fruit, not its wood.
* **fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** A primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively); burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. This word denotes the agent of destruction and purification. The imagery of fire in the Old Testament frequently represents divine judgment, consuming that which is impure or rebellious, and leaving only ashes or refined elements. Here, it signifies the comprehensive nature of God's wrath against Jerusalem.
* **fuel (Hebrew, _ʼoklâh'_):** Feminine of אֻכָל; food; consume, devour, eat, food, meat. While literally meaning "food" or "meat," in this context, it refers to something consumed or devoured by fire. The choice of this word emphasizes the complete and utter consumption of the vine's wood, reinforcing its worthlessness for any other purpose and its destiny to be utterly destroyed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, signaling that the following words are a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God Himself. "The Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) emphasizes both God's sovereign mastery (Adonai) and His covenant faithfulness (YHWH), making the judgment both just and inevitable.
* **"As the vine tree among the trees of the forest,":** This clause introduces the core analogy. It contrasts the vine with other trees in the forest. While forest trees might provide strong timber for building or other useful purposes, the vine's wood is inherently weak and pliable, useful only for bearing fruit. This sets up the premise that Jerusalem, like the vine, has no inherent value apart from its intended purpose.
* **"which I have given to the fire for fuel,":** This part of the analogy describes the fate of the useless vine. If the vine fails to produce fruit, its wood is so useless that it is discarded and given over to be burned. The divine "I have given" highlights God's active role in this process, indicating that it is His deliberate act to consign the unfruitful vine to destruction.
* **"so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.":** This is the direct application of the parable, the devastating punchline. The fate of the useless vine is directly mapped onto the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Just as the vine's wood is fit only for fuel, so too are the people of Jerusalem, due to their spiritual barrenness and rebellion, destined for divine judgment and consumption by the "fire" of God's wrath, symbolizing destruction and exile.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 15:6 is rich in **Analogy/Simile**, forming the entire basis of the prophecy. The comparison "As the vine tree... so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem" directly likens Jerusalem to a vine, making its spiritual condition and impending judgment comprehensible through a familiar agricultural image. This analogy is powerfully reinforced by **Symbolism**: the "vine tree" is a long-standing symbol for Israel, representing their unique covenant relationship and calling. The "fire for fuel" powerfully symbolizes divine judgment, purification, and utter destruction. The weak, unfruitful wood of the vine symbolizes Jerusalem's spiritual barrenness and lack of righteousness. The entire passage functions as a **Divine Oracle**, marked by the opening formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD," lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement of judgment. The stark contrast between the potential of the vine (to bear fruit) and its actual state (useless wood) also employs a form of **Irony**, as Jerusalem, chosen and cultivated by God, has become the opposite of what it was intended to be.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 15:6 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and severe judgment for persistent rebellion and unfruitfulness. The passage challenges the notion of inherent privilege, asserting that even God's chosen people are subject to His righteous judgment if they fail to live up to their divine calling. It reveals a God who is not merely loving but also just, holding His people accountable for their spiritual barrenness and idolatry. This judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their failure to produce the fruit of righteousness, demonstrating that God's patience has limits and that His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled, even through severe discipline.

* [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")
* [John 15:1-6](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-6 - Jesus, the True Vine")
* [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every Tree That Does Not Bear Good Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 15:6 serves as a sobering mirror for believers today, challenging us to honestly assess our spiritual lives. Just as the vine's purpose is to bear fruit, our lives as followers of Christ are meant to produce spiritual fruit—the character of Christ, good works, and faithfulness to God's calling. This passage reminds us that our identity as "chosen" or "Christian" does not automatically guarantee divine favor apart from a life of active obedience and fruitfulness. It calls us away from spiritual complacency, urging us to examine whether our lives genuinely reflect the transformative power of God's grace or if we have become barren, like the vine whose wood is fit only for burning. The "fire" in our lives may not be literal destruction but rather the refining trials or disciplinary actions God employs to purify us and call us back to our true purpose. We are challenged to ask: Is my life demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit, or am I merely occupying space without contributing to God's kingdom?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be like the unfruitful vine described in Ezekiel 15?**
* **What "fruit" does God expect me to bear in my daily life, and how can I intentionally cultivate it?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in this passage deepen my appreciation for His grace and mercy?**
* **What areas of my life might need to be "pruned" or "refined" by God's hand to become more fruitful?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jerusalem compared to a vine tree, specifically, and not another type of tree?**

Answer: Jerusalem, representing the nation of Israel, is compared to a vine tree because the vine held a unique symbolic significance for Israel. Unlike other trees that might provide sturdy timber for building or crafting, the wood of a vine is inherently weak and pliable, making it useless for construction. Its sole purpose and value lie in its ability to produce grapes, which yield wine—a symbol of joy, blessing, and sustenance. By comparing Jerusalem to a vine, God emphasizes that Israel's value was not in its inherent strength, political power, or physical structures (like the Temple), but in its covenant relationship with God and its calling to bear the spiritual fruit of righteousness, justice, and obedience. When Israel failed to produce this fruit, its very existence became purposeless in God's eyes, rendering it as useless as a barren vine's wood, fit only for destruction, as seen in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard").

**What does "given to the fire for fuel" signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "given to the fire for fuel" signifies comprehensive and irreversible divine judgment. For the unfruitful vine, its wood is so worthless that its only use is to be burned. Applied to Jerusalem, this imagery powerfully conveys that the city and its inhabitants, having failed in their divine purpose to be a fruitful people for God, would be utterly consumed by God's wrath. This was fulfilled through the Babylonian invasion, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the exile of its people. The fire represents not merely destruction but also a form of purification or consumption, indicating that all that was perceived as valuable or secure (like the city walls or the Temple) would be consumed, leaving nothing of spiritual worth behind. It underscores the severity of God's response to persistent rebellion and spiritual barrenness, as also seen in [Matthew 3:10](/matthew/3-10 "Matthew 3:10 - Axe at the Root of the Trees").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 15:6, with its stark imagery of the unfruitful vine destined for fire, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament vine ([Israel](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - The Song of the Vineyard")) tragically failed to bear the fruit of righteousness, leading to divine judgment. However, Jesus declares Himself to be the "true vine" in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"), establishing a new covenant reality. He is the perfectly fruitful Vine, always abiding in the Father and perfectly manifesting God's character and will. In Him, the failure of the old covenant vine is overcome. Believers, as branches grafted into Christ ([Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17-24 - Grafted Branches")), are called to abide in Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). The judgment threatened against the unfruitful vine in Ezekiel is ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, where He became the object of divine wrath for the sin and unfruitfulness of humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, believers are not consumed by the fire of judgment but are made fruitful in Him, producing the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")) and good works ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")) to the glory of God. Thus, the warning of Ezekiel 15:6 becomes a call to embrace Christ, the True Vine, and through Him, to bear much fruit that remains ([John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Chosen to Bear Fruit")), escaping the judgment reserved for those who remain barren and apart from Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 17:3

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

Ezekiel 17:10

Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

Jeremiah 25:18

[To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 44:21

The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them, and came it [not] into his mind?

Jeremiah 44:27

Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

Jeremiah 24:8

And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt: