Ezekiel 15:8

KJV

And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H5414} the land {H776} desolate {H8077}, because they have committed {H4603} a trespass {H4604}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make the land desolate because they have dealt so treacherously,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,’ declares the Lord GOD.”

American Standard Version

And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 15:8 delivers a powerful divine declaration of impending judgment upon the land of Judah, articulating the severe and inevitable consequences of persistent spiritual unfaithfulness. This verse, situated within the parable of the worthless vine, underscores God's unwavering justice and the direct correlation between the people's "trespass"—a profound act of covenant betrayal—and the resulting desolation of their land. It serves as a stark reminder that God holds His chosen people accountable for their rebellion against His sacred covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 15 is a concise and striking prophetic oracle, serving as a direct continuation of Ezekiel's series of judgments against Jerusalem and Judah. Preceding chapters detail the pervasive defilement of the temple and the rampant idolatry in Jerusalem, setting the stage for the inevitability of divine wrath. This chapter employs the vivid **parable of the vine tree** (or vine branch) to illustrate Judah's spiritual condition. Unlike the productive vine of [Psalm 80](/psalm/80 "Psalm 80 - A Prayer for Restoration") or [Isaiah 5](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - The Song of the Vineyard"), the vine in Ezekiel 15 is explicitly declared worthless, even for building, once it fails to bear fruit. The initial verses, particularly [Ezekiel 15:2-5](/ezekiel/15-2-5 "Ezekiel 15:2-5 - The Worthless Vine Branch"), establish that Jerusalem, despite being chosen, has become spiritually barren and fit only for the fire. Verse 8, therefore, functions as the climactic pronouncement of the judgment foreshadowed by the parable, directly linking the "trespass" to the "desolation" and revealing the ultimate consequence of Judah's spiritual barrenness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, specifically after the first deportation in 597 BCE, but before the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. The people remaining in Judah, and even some exiles, clung to a false hope that Jerusalem would not fall and that God would not allow His temple to be destroyed. Ezekiel's ministry was largely dedicated to dismantling these false hopes by revealing the depth of Judah's sin and the certainty of God's judgment, culminating in the Babylonian exile and the destruction of the city and temple. The imagery of the vine was deeply resonant in ancient Israel, often symbolizing the nation's relationship with God (e.g., [Hosea 10:1](/hosea/10-1 "Hosea 10:1 - Israel, a Degenerate Vine")). The desolation of the land was a terrifying prospect for an agrarian society, signifying not only physical ruin but also a loss of identity, security, and divine favor—a direct reversal of the blessings promised in the covenant for obedience, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 15:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, highlighting God's active role in bringing about desolation as a just and inevitable consequence for sin, particularly covenant unfaithfulness. The land, once blessed, becomes a symbol of ruin due to its inhabitants' actions. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Sin (specifically, Trespass)**, presenting a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the people's "trespass" (a profound act of unfaithfulness and rebellion against God's covenant) and the severe judgment that follows. God's holiness demands accountability for persistent disobedience. Thirdly, the phrase "saith the Lord GOD" reinforces **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, affirming His ultimate authority and unwavering commitment to His righteous character. He is not merely an observer but the one who declares and executes judgment, demonstrating His absolute control over history and human destiny, even amidst perceived chaos. This divine pronouncement echoes the consistent message of accountability found throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Jeremiah's warnings against false security](/jeremiah/7 "Jeremiah 7 - The Temple Sermon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be appalled" or "to be laid waste," this feminine noun denotes devastation, ruin, and figuratively, astonishment. It conveys a strong sense of utter emptiness, barrenness, and destruction. When God declares He will "make the land desolate," it implies a comprehensive and shocking level of ruin, a state of abandonment and emptiness that reflects the severity of the judgment for the people's unfaithfulness. It signifies a reversal of the covenant blessings of fruitfulness and habitation.
* **committed a trespass (Hebrew, _mâʻal'_):** This primitive root means "to cover up" or, figuratively, "to act covertly" or "treacherously." It is consistently used in the Old Testament to describe an act of unfaithfulness, betrayal, or breach of trust, particularly in the context of a covenant relationship with God or sacred obligations. The accompanying noun `maʻal` (H4604) further emphasizes this "treachery" or "transgression." It’s not merely a general sin but a deliberate act of disloyalty, a violation of the sacred bond between God and His people, which is the direct cause for the land's desolation.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title, combining `ʼĂdônây` (an emphatic form of "Lord," often used as a proper name of God) and `Yᵉhôvih` (a variation of YHWH, the covenant name of God), underscores both God's sovereign authority and His covenant faithfulness. `ʼĂdônây` emphasizes His mastership and absolute dominion, while `Yᵉhôvih` (YHWH) highlights His unchanging character and His relationship with Israel as their covenant God. The combination "saith the Lord GOD" therefore lends ultimate weight and authority to the pronouncement, indicating that the judgment comes from the one who is both the supreme ruler and the faithful, yet offended, covenant partner.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make the land desolate":** This opening clause declares God's direct and active agency in the impending judgment. The "land" refers specifically to the land of Judah, the physical inheritance and dwelling place of the covenant people. The verb "make" (from `nâthan`, H5414) signifies God's deliberate intention and execution of this judgment, not a passive allowance. The state of "desolate" (`shᵉmâmâh`, H8077) implies utter ruin, emptiness, and abandonment, a stark reversal of the blessings of fruitfulness and habitation promised under the covenant. This desolation is not a natural disaster but a divinely orchestrated consequence.
* **"because they have committed a trespass":** This crucial clause provides the divine rationale for the desolation. The "trespass" (`mâʻal`, H4603, and its noun form `maʻal`, H4604) is identified as the specific and ultimate cause. As discussed in the key word analysis, this is not a minor transgression but a profound act of unfaithfulness, treachery, and betrayal against God's covenant. It signifies a deliberate violation of their sacred obligations and a rejection of their unique relationship with the Lord. This establishes a clear principle of divine justice: judgment is a direct, righteous response to persistent and deliberate sin, particularly covenant infidelity.
* **"saith the Lord GOD":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful divine authentication and affirmation of the pronouncement. The title "Lord GOD" (`ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih`, H136 and H3069) combines God's absolute sovereignty and His covenant name, emphasizing the ultimate authority and unwavering truthfulness of the declaration. It signifies that this is not a mere human prediction or a speculative warning, but an infallible word from the supreme Ruler and faithful covenant Keeper, ensuring the certainty and inevitability of the declared judgment. This formula underscores the divine origin and unalterable nature of the prophetic word.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 15:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Divine Pronouncement**, indicated by the concluding phrase "saith the Lord GOD," which lends absolute authority and certainty to the words. This formula is characteristic of prophetic literature, emphasizing that the message originates directly from God and is therefore infallible and unchangeable. There is also clear **Cause and Effect** at play: the people's "trespass" is explicitly stated as the direct cause for God's action to "make the land desolate." This logical structure reinforces the principle of divine justice and accountability, demonstrating that consequences are directly tied to actions. Furthermore, the verse functions as the culmination of the **Symbolism** introduced in the preceding verses, where Jerusalem/Judah is likened to a worthless vine. The desolation of the land becomes the tangible manifestation of the vine's unworthiness and its ultimate fate in the fire, extending the symbolic imagery into a concrete, terrifying reality. The concept of "desolate" itself can be seen as a form of **Intensification**, conveying not just a difficult period but a state of utter ruin and abandonment, underscoring the severity of God's righteous indignation and the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 15:8 stands as a stark testament to the biblical principle that God's holiness demands a response of faithfulness from His covenant people, and persistent unfaithfulness inevitably leads to severe consequences. The "trespass" described is not merely a moral failing but a profound act of covenant betrayal, a rejection of the unique relationship God initiated with Israel. This verse highlights the active nature of divine judgment, revealing God as a righteous judge who intervenes in history to uphold His justice and vindicate His name. It underscores the gravity of sin, particularly when it involves a breach of trust with the Almighty, and serves as a warning that divine patience is not limitless. The desolation of the land symbolizes the breaking of the covenant relationship and the withdrawal of God's protective presence and blessing, a theme deeply woven throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating that God's promises of blessing are conditional upon covenant fidelity.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 29:22-28](/deuteronomy/29-22-28 "Desolation for Covenant Breaking")
* [Jeremiah 12:10-11](/jeremiah/12-10-11 "The Ruined Vineyard")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 15:8, though rooted in the historical context of ancient Judah's judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is not merely transactional but covenantal, demanding faithfulness and fruitfulness. Just as Israel was called to be a fruitful vine, believers are called to bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) as evidence of their genuine connection to Christ, the true vine. The "trespass" of Judah—a deep-seated unfaithfulness and betrayal of their covenant with God—warns us against spiritual apathy, idolatry, and a casual disregard for God's commands. We are challenged to examine our own lives: are we truly fruitful for God's kingdom, or are we, like the worthless vine, consuming resources without producing anything of value? This verse calls for a sober assessment of our obedience, repentance for our unfaithfulness, and a renewed commitment to living in a manner worthy of our calling, recognizing that God is just and holds His people accountable. It invites us to cultivate a vibrant, obedient relationship with Him, lest we experience a spiritual desolation of our own making through our own unfaithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be committing a "trespass" against God, perhaps subtly or unknowingly, by failing to live up to my covenant relationship with Him?**
* **What "fruit" is God calling me to produce in my life, and what steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual fruitfulness?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in Ezekiel 15:8 deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the specific "trespass" mentioned in Ezekiel 15:8?**

Answer: The "trespass" (Hebrew: `maʻal`, H4604, from the root `mâʻal`, H4603) refers to a profound act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or betrayal, particularly in the context of a covenant relationship. In Ezekiel 15:8, it signifies Israel's consistent and deliberate violation of their covenant with God. This included widespread idolatry, moral corruption, injustice, and a general disregard for God's laws and warnings, despite being chosen as His special people. It was a breach of trust, akin to a spouse's infidelity, which deeply offended God's holiness and justified the severe judgment of desolation. This concept is further elaborated in other parts of Ezekiel, such as the abominations described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in Jerusalem").

**How does the desolation of the land relate to the parable of the worthless vine?**

Answer: The desolation of the land is the direct, tangible consequence and fulfillment of the parable of the worthless vine presented at the beginning of [Ezekiel 15](/ezekiel/15 "Ezekiel 15 - The Parable of the Worthless Vine"). In the parable, Jerusalem (representing Judah) is compared to a vine branch that is good for nothing if it doesn't bear fruit, not even for building material. It's only fit for burning. The "desolation" of the land in verse 8 is the real-world manifestation of this "burning." Just as the worthless vine is consumed by fire, the land, which was once blessed and fruitful, will be laid waste and emptied due to the spiritual barrenness and unfaithfulness ("trespass") of its inhabitants. It signifies the removal of God's blessing and protection, leading to ruin and abandonment, confirming the prophetic warning that unfaithfulness leads to ultimate destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 15:8, with its stark declaration of judgment against a faithless people and their desolate land, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repeated cycle of judgment, but in the radical intervention of God's grace through Jesus Christ. While Israel, the physical vine, proved worthless and faced desolation due to their "trespass," Jesus presents Himself as the [true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine") in whom all who abide will bear much fruit. The "trespass" that led to the land's desolation is the very sin that separates humanity from God, a sin that Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to bear. He became the ultimate sacrifice, taking upon Himself the desolation and judgment that humanity deserved, so that those who believe in Him might not perish but have [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). The judgment pronounced in Ezekiel 15:8 foreshadows the severity of God's justice against sin, which was fully satisfied at the cross. Through Christ, the curse of desolation is reversed for those who are in Him, as they are brought into a new covenant where their sins are forgiven and they are empowered by the [Holy Spirit to bear fruit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") that pleases God, transforming barrenness into spiritual abundance and ushering in a new era of life and blessing.

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 6:14

So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

2 Chronicles 36:14

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Ezekiel 14:13

Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

Ezekiel 14:21

For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

Isaiah 24:3

The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.

Isaiah 24:12

In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.