Ezekiel 19:13

KJV

And now she [is] planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now she is planted {H8362} in the wilderness {H4057}, in a dry {H6723} and thirsty {H6772} ground {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It has been transplanted to the desert, to a dry, thirsty land.

Berean Standard Bible

Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land.

American Standard Version

And now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 19:13 concludes a poignant prophetic lament, depicting the ultimate state of Judah (symbolized as a once-glorious vine) after its branches have been consumed by fire. This verse powerfully illustrates the nation's tragic downfall and the severe consequences of its unfaithfulness, portraying it as uprooted from its fertile homeland and replanted in a desolate, barren environment. It is a stark image of divine judgment, signifying the complete loss of national identity, sovereignty, and spiritual vitality, culminating in the trauma of the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 19 is a deeply moving dirge, or funeral lament, delivered by the prophet Ezekiel. It is structured as a two-part allegory concerning the princes of Israel and the nation of Judah. The chapter begins with the metaphor of a lioness and her cubs ([Ezekiel 19:2-9](/ezekiel/19-2 "Ezekiel 19:2-9 - The Lioness and Her Cubs")), representing the capture and exile of kings like Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim/Jehoiachin. The imagery then shifts to a vine ([Ezekiel 19:10-14](/ezekiel/19-10 "Ezekiel 19:10-14 - The Vine Metaphor")), symbolizing the royal lineage of Judah or the nation itself, which was once strong and fruitful. Verse 13 marks the tragic climax of this vine allegory, describing its utter desolation after its branches were broken and consumed by fire, signifying the complete destruction of the Davidic monarchy and the nation's former glory. It serves as a stark contrast to the vine's initial flourishing described in [Ezekiel 19:10-11](/ezekiel/19-10 "Ezekiel 19:10-11 - The Glorious Vine").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This lament is set against the backdrop of the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile. By Ezekiel's time, Jerusalem had already endured one or two sieges, and many of its inhabitants, including Ezekiel himself, had been deported to Babylon. The "planting in the wilderness" vividly describes the forced removal of the people from their fertile homeland, the Promised Land, and their relocation to a foreign, often desolate environment. This was a profound cultural and historical trauma, as the land was inextricably linked to Israel's covenant identity and God's promises. The "dry and thirsty ground" reflects the harsh realities of exile—loss of livelihood, temple worship, national sovereignty, and the spiritual barrenness experienced away from the land of God's dwelling. The allegories of the lion and the vine would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with royal symbols and agricultural life, making the message of judgment and desolation particularly impactful. The destruction of the Temple and the end of the Davidic monarchy, culminating in the events described in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"), are the historical realities underpinning this prophetic lament.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 19:13 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequence**, demonstrating God's righteous response to Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and rebellion. The "planting in the wilderness" is a direct consequence of their disobedience, a reversal of the blessings promised in the covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). Secondly, it highlights **Desolation and Barrenness**, contrasting sharply with the lush, fruitful land God had originally given to His people ([Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - A Good Land")). This imagery symbolizes a complete reversal of fortune and a state where life and spiritual fruitfulness cannot thrive. Thirdly, it vividly portrays the **Trauma of Exile**, a central theme in Ezekiel, emphasizing the loss of sovereignty, the destruction of the Temple, and the shattering of national identity. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Loss of Glory and Fruitfulness** for a nation that was meant to be a light to the nations but failed to bear the fruit of righteousness, as seen in other prophetic condemnations of Israel's unfruitfulness ([Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **planted (Hebrew, _shâthal'_):** This primitive root means "to transplant" or "to plant." In this context, it carries a strong sense of forced relocation, not natural growth. The vine is not growing organically in this place but has been deliberately, and perhaps violently, moved and set down in an unsuitable environment. This highlights the sovereign hand of God in the judgment, orchestrating the exile as a direct consequence of Judah's actions.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to drive," this word refers to a pasture or open field where cattle are driven, and by implication, a desert or uninhabited region. While the wilderness in biblical narrative can sometimes be a place of testing or divine encounter (e.g., the Israelites' journey from Egypt in [Exodus 16:1](/exodus/16-1 "Exodus 16:1 - Journey through the Wilderness")), here, it unequivocally conveys a sense of desolation, punishment, and a lack of life-giving resources. It is the antithesis of the fertile, promised land.
* **dry (Hebrew, _tsîyâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to parch," this word denotes aridity or a desert. It emphasizes the complete lack of moisture and life-sustaining elements. When combined with "thirsty," it paints a picture of extreme deprivation and barrenness, suggesting an environment utterly incapable of supporting the life and fruitfulness expected of a vine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now she is planted":** This phrase marks a dramatic shift from the vine's former glory. The passive voice "is planted" suggests an external force at work—God's judgment—rather than a voluntary relocation. It signifies a forced removal and establishment in a new, undesirable place, underscoring the loss of agency and the severity of the imposed punishment.
* **"in the wilderness":** This specifies the new, desolate location. The wilderness, a place of scarcity and danger, contrasts sharply with the lush, fertile land where the vine once thrived. It symbolizes the Babylonian exile, a place far from the covenant land, devoid of the spiritual sustenance and protection previously enjoyed.
* **"in a dry and thirsty ground":** This further intensifies the imagery of desolation. "Dry" (tsîyâh) and "thirsty" (tsâmâʼ) are powerful descriptors of an environment utterly incapable of sustaining life, especially a vine that requires abundant water to bear fruit. This phrase speaks to the spiritual and physical deprivation experienced in exile, where the people were cut off from the life-giving presence of God in the Temple and the blessings of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 19:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of judgment and desolation. The primary device is **Allegory**, as the entire chapter uses the extended metaphor of a vine to represent the nation of Judah and its royal lineage. This allegorical framework allows Ezekiel to communicate complex theological truths about God's covenant relationship with Israel and the consequences of their unfaithfulness in a vivid and relatable manner. Within this allegory, **Imagery** is heavily utilized, particularly the stark contrast between the vine's former glory (implied from the preceding verses) and its current state of being "planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground." This visual imagery evokes a strong sense of barrenness, suffering, and the complete absence of life-giving sustenance. The phrase "dry and thirsty ground" is also an instance of **Metonymy**, where the physical state of the ground represents the spiritual and national condition of Judah—a state of spiritual barrenness and deprivation. Furthermore, the entire chapter functions as a **Lament** or dirge, a funeral song, which imbues the verse with a tone of profound sorrow, mourning, and the tragic acknowledgment of irreversible loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 19:13 stands as a stark testament to the theological principle that persistent disobedience to God's covenant leads to severe consequences, including the loss of divine favor and the experience of desolation. It powerfully illustrates God's justice in holding His people accountable for their unfaithfulness, even to the point of removing them from the land He graciously provided. The "planting in the wilderness" signifies a reversal of the blessings of the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, where fruitfulness and security in the land were contingent upon obedience. This verse serves as a sober reminder that spiritual vitality and national prosperity are not inherent but are gifts sustained by a faithful relationship with the Creator.

* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses of Drought") - "And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed."
* [Jeremiah 2:6](/jeremiah/2-6 "Jeremiah 2:6 - A Land of Deserts and Pits") - "Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?"
* [Isaiah 5:5-6](/isaiah/5-5 "Isaiah 5:5-6 - The Desolation of the Vineyard") - "And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 19:13 serves as a profound spiritual mirror for believers today, prompting us to examine the state of our own spiritual lives. The imagery of a vine planted in "dry and thirsty ground" should cause us to reflect on the potential consequences of spiritual apathy, disobedience, and a lack of dependence on God. Are we drawing life-giving sustenance from the true Vine, Jesus Christ, or are we allowing ourselves to be "planted" in spiritual wildernesses of our own making through neglect of God's Word, prayer, and fellowship? This verse reminds us that true fruitfulness and spiritual flourishing are impossible apart from a vibrant, obedient relationship with God. It calls us to cultivate an environment where spiritual life can thrive, actively seeking the living water of God's Spirit and remaining rooted in His truth. Even in seasons of personal spiritual dryness or hardship, this lament can serve as a powerful call to repentance, reminding us that God, in His mercy, can ultimately bring restoration and life even to the most desolate places, as He promised to His exiled people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel like I am "planted in a dry and thirsty ground," lacking spiritual vitality or fruitfulness?**
* **What might be contributing to this spiritual dryness, and what steps can I take to draw closer to the "living water" of Christ?**
* **How does the concept of divine judgment for unfaithfulness in this verse challenge or affirm my understanding of God's character?**
* **Considering the vine imagery, how am I actively abiding in Christ, the true Vine, to ensure I bear much fruit?**

### FAQ
**What does the "she" refer to in Ezekiel 19:13?**

Answer: In the context of Ezekiel 19, "she" refers to the mother vine, which is an allegory for the nation of Judah, specifically its royal lineage or the Davidic dynasty. The chapter begins by lamenting the capture of Judah's kings (the "lion cubs") and then shifts to the imagery of a vine, representing the mother from whom these kings sprang. Thus, the "she" embodies the collective identity, glory, and ultimate downfall of the kingdom of Judah due to its unfaithfulness to God, culminating in the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, as described in passages like [2 Kings 25:1-10](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1-10 - The Siege and Fall of Jerusalem").

**Does Ezekiel 19:13 offer any hope, or is it purely a message of desolation?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 19:13, as part of a dirge, is undeniably a message of profound desolation and judgment, the broader book of Ezekiel (and the prophetic corpus) is not without hope. This verse serves as a stark portrayal of the consequences of sin and unfaithfulness, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. However, it implicitly sets the stage for God's redemptive promises later in the book. After the judgment, Ezekiel prophesies about a future restoration, a new covenant, and the re-planting of Israel in their land, where God will give them a new heart and spirit ([Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")). So, while this particular verse focuses on the immediate, dire consequences, it is part of a larger divine narrative that ultimately points to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His power to bring life even out of the "dry bones" of desolation ([Ezekiel 37:1-14](/ezekiel/37-1 "Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The Valley of Dry Bones")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 19:13, with its imagery of a once-glorious vine planted in a "dry and thirsty ground" due to unfaithfulness, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. First, Jesus Himself is the ultimate and true Vine, as He declares in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"). Unlike Israel, who proved faithless and unfruitful, Jesus perfectly embodies the ideal of God's chosen "vine," bearing abundant fruit in perfect obedience to the Father. The desolation described in Ezekiel 19:13 foreshadows the spiritual barrenness and judgment that would ultimately fall upon those who rejected the true Vine. Second, Jesus, in His crucifixion, willingly entered into the ultimate "dry and thirsty ground" of divine judgment, bearing the curse and desolation that humanity deserved for its unfaithfulness. He cried out, "I thirst" ([John 19:28](/john/19-28 "John 19:28 - Jesus' Thirst on the Cross")), embodying the spiritual dryness and separation from God that sin brings. Through His sacrifice, He transformed the wilderness of sin and death into a place where living water now flows ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Finally, in Christ, the promise of restoration and fruitfulness is realized. Believers, grafted into Him ([Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17-24 - Grafted into the Olive Tree")), are no longer destined for a "dry and thirsty ground" but are enabled by the Holy Spirit to bear the fruit of righteousness, transforming spiritual wildernesses into gardens of God's grace ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, what was a lament of judgment for Israel becomes, in Christ, a testament to God's redemptive power to bring life and flourishing out of utter desolation.

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

Hosea 2:3

Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

Ezekiel 19:10

¶ Thy mother [is] like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.

Psalms 68:6

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land].

Psalms 63:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2 Kings 24:12

And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign.

2 Kings 24:16

And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.

Deuteronomy 28:47

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all [things];