Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryEzekiel 15

Jerusalem a Condemned Vine.In this passage, God uses the image of a vine to teach a lesson about Jerusalem. At first, Jerusalem was a special city—chosen by God and meant to be fruitful with good works and worship. But God warns that, just like a vine that does not produce grapes, the city will be considered useless if it does not live up to its purpose. If God’s people do not bring Him honor, they cannot expect His protection or blessing.

v. 2-3: God asks, What is the vine tree more than any tree?If a vine does not bear fruit, its wood is not good for anything. You cannot even make a simple peg from it to hang a pot. Other trees may provide wood for building, but a fruitless vine is only useful for burning (Ezekiel 15:3 ).

v. 4-5: If the vine is thrown into the fire and burned, it becomes even more worthless. Once burned, it cannot be used for anything at all. If it was useless before, it is even more so after it is charred (Ezekiel 15:4-5; Hebrews 6:8 ).

v. 6: God says that Jerusalem is like this vine. Once, it was special and set apart for God, but now it has become useless because of sin. Because it did not fulfill its purpose, it will be burned like a fruitless vine. If people do not honor God with their lives, they will face His judgment instead (Isaiah 5:7 ).

v. 7: God says, I will set my face against them.If they escape one disaster, another will come. The people cannot escape judgment by running from one trouble to another, because God’s hand is against them wherever they go (Isaiah 24:18 ).

v. 8: God will make the land empty and ruined, because the people have been unfaithful to Him. This destruction will show that He is truly the Lord