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Ezekiel 15

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‹ Chapter 14 Ezekiel — All Chapters Chapter 16 ›

1 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any other branch among the trees in the forest? 3 Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang utensils? 4 No, it is cast into the fire for fuel. The fire devours both ends, and the middle is charred. Can it be useful for anything? 5 Even when it was whole, it could not be made useful. How much less can it ever be useful when the fire has consumed it and charred it! 6 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. 7 And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. 8 Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,’ declares the Lord GOD."

‹ Chapter 14 Ezekiel — All Chapters Chapter 16 ›

Study Notes — Ezekiel 15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Ezekiel 15 begins with a question from God to Ezekiel, asking if a vine that does not produce fruit is of any use. The answer, of course, is no. God then applies this principle to the people of Judah, stating that they are like a useless vine. As noted in Ezekiel 15:4, even the wood of the vine is only good for burning, highlighting the complete uselessness of the vine. Ezekiel 15:5 further emphasizes that the people of Judah are not only useless but also destined for destruction. The chapter ends with a statement of God's judgment on His people, emphasizing that He will judge them according to their deeds, as seen in Ezekiel 15:7.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 15 is part of a larger section of prophecies against Judah, emphasizing God's judgment on His people for their sins. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the book of Ezekiel, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and judgment. As seen in Ezekiel 15:4, the chapter highlights the consequences of not being fruitful for God, underscoring the importance of producing spiritual fruit.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of being fruitful for God, producing spiritual fruit that honors Him. We must examine our lives to ensure that we are not like the useless vine, but rather a fruitful branch that brings glory to God. As noted in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit, illustrating the consequences of not being fruitful for God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel 15 teaches that God's people must produce spiritual fruit to be useful to Him. If we do not produce fruit, we are like a useless vine, destined for destruction. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit, illustrating the consequences of not being fruitful for God. We must examine our lives to ensure that we are producing fruit that honors God, as noted in Ezekiel 15:4.

Voices from the Church

“The vine is a symbol of the Christian, and the fruit it produces is the evidence of its life. If the vine does not produce fruit, it is fit for nothing but the fire.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The vine that does not produce fruit is a symbol of the hypocrite, who pretends to be a Christian but does not produce any fruit of righteousness.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Uselessness of the Vine (Ezekiel 15:1-5) — The chapter begins with a question from God to Ezekiel, asking if a vine that does not produce fruit is of any use. The answer, of course, is no. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit.
  2. The Application to Judah (Ezekiel 15:6-7) — The principle of the useless vine is applied to the people of Judah, emphasizing their uselessness to God. Ezekiel 15:6 highlights the consequences of God's judgment on His people.
  3. The Emphasis on Judgment (Ezekiel 15:8) — God's judgment on His people is a major theme of the chapter, emphasizing that He will judge them according to their deeds. Ezekiel 15:8 highlights the consequences of God's judgment on His people.
  4. The Conclusion (Ezekiel 15:8) — The chapter ends with a statement of God's judgment on His people, emphasizing that He will judge them according to their deeds. As noted in Ezekiel 15:8, God's judgment is based on the deeds of His people.
  5. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls God's people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of producing spiritual fruit that honors Him. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit, illustrating the consequences of not being fruitful for God.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
Ezekiel 15 emphasizes God's sovereignty over His people, highlighting His right to judge them according to their deeds. As noted in Ezekiel 15:7, God's judgment is based on the deeds of His people.
The Importance of Fruitfulness
The chapter teaches that fruitfulness is essential for the Christian, emphasizing the importance of producing spiritual fruit that honors God. Ezekiel 15:4 highlights the importance of producing fruit.
The Consequences of Sin
Ezekiel 15 highlights the consequences of sin, emphasizing that God will judge His people according to their deeds. As seen in Ezekiel 15:6, the consequences of sin are severe.
The Call to Repentance
The chapter calls God's people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning from sin and producing spiritual fruit that honors Him. Ezekiel 15:2 emphasizes the importance of producing fruit.

Lessons from Ezekiel 15

  1. The Importance of Producing Spiritual Fruit — This chapter teaches that producing spiritual fruit is essential for the Christian, emphasizing the importance of honoring God with our lives. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit.
  2. The Consequences of Sin — Ezekiel 15 highlights the consequences of sin, emphasizing that God will judge His people according to their deeds. As noted in Ezekiel 15:6, the consequences of sin are severe.
  3. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls God's people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning from sin and producing spiritual fruit that honors Him. Ezekiel 15:2 emphasizes the importance of producing fruit.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — Ezekiel 15 emphasizes God's sovereignty over His people, highlighting His right to judge them according to their deeds. As noted in Ezekiel 15:7, God's judgment is based on the deeds of His people.
  5. The Importance of Obedience — This chapter teaches that obedience to God is essential for the Christian, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands and producing spiritual fruit that honors Him. As seen in Ezekiel 15:4, the importance of obedience is highlighted.

Themes from Ezekiel 15

  1. The Uselessness of the Vine — The chapter emphasizes the uselessness of a vine that does not produce fruit, highlighting the consequences of not being fruitful for God. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit.
  2. The Application to Judah — The principle of the useless vine is applied to the people of Judah, emphasizing their uselessness to God. Ezekiel 15:5 further emphasizes that the people of Judah are not only useless but also destined for destruction.
  3. The Emphasis on Judgment — God's judgment on His people is a major theme of the chapter, emphasizing that He will judge them according to their deeds. Ezekiel 15:7 highlights the consequences of God's judgment on His people.
  4. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls God's people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning from sin and producing spiritual fruit that honors Him. Ezekiel 15:2 emphasizes the importance of producing fruit.
  5. The Sovereignty of God — Ezekiel 15 emphasizes God's sovereignty over His people, highlighting His right to judge them according to their deeds. As noted in Ezekiel 15:7, God's judgment is based on the deeds of His people.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the vine represent in this chapter, and what is the significance of its lack of fruit?
  2. How does the principle of the useless vine apply to the people of Judah, and what are the consequences of their uselessness?
  3. What is the emphasis of God's judgment on His people in this chapter, and what is the basis for His judgment?
  4. What is the call to repentance in this chapter, and how can we apply it to our own lives?
  5. How does this chapter relate to the larger narrative of the book of Ezekiel, and what are the implications for our understanding of God's sovereignty and judgment?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Uselessness of the Vine (Ezekiel 15:1-5)

15:1 The chapter begins with a question from God to Ezekiel, asking if a vine that does not produce fruit is of any use.
15:2 The answer, of course, is no, and the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit.
15:3 The wood of the vine is only good for burning, highlighting the complete uselessness of the vine.
15:4 The principle of the useless vine is emphasized, highlighting the consequences of not being fruitful for God.
15:5 The people of Judah are compared to the useless vine, emphasizing their uselessness to God.

2. The Application to Judah (Ezekiel 15:6-7)

15:6 The principle of the useless vine is applied to the people of Judah, emphasizing their uselessness to God.
15:7 God's judgment on His people is emphasized, highlighting that He will judge them according to their deeds.

3. The Conclusion (Ezekiel 15:8)

15:8 The chapter ends with a statement of God's judgment on His people, emphasizing that He will judge them according to their deeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the vine represent in this chapter?

The vine represents the people of Judah, emphasizing their usefulness or uselessness to God. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit.

What is the principle of the useless vine?

The principle of the useless vine is that a vine that does not produce fruit is of no use, and this principle is applied to the people of Judah. Ezekiel 15:4 highlights the importance of producing fruit.

What is the emphasis of God's judgment on His people in this chapter?

God's judgment on His people is emphasized, highlighting that He will judge them according to their deeds. Ezekiel 15:7 highlights the consequences of God's judgment on His people.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Ezekiel 15:1 → Isaiah 5:1-7 The vine in this chapter is similar to the vine in Isaiah 5:1-7, which represents the people of Judah. As seen in Isaiah 5:2, the vine is expected to produce fruit, but it does not.
2 Ezekiel 15:2 → Matthew 21:18-22 The uselessness of the vine is similar to the withered fig tree in Matthew 21:18-22, which represents the judgment of God on those who do not produce fruit. As seen in Matthew 21:19, the fig tree is cursed because it does not produce fruit.
3 Ezekiel 15:4 → John 15:1-8 The principle of the useless vine is applied to the Christian in John 15:1-8, which teaches that we must abide in Christ to produce fruit. As seen in John 15:2, the branches that do not produce fruit are cut off.
4 Ezekiel 15:5 → Jeremiah 2:21 The people of Judah are compared to a degenerate vine in Jeremiah 2:21, which emphasizes their corruption and uselessness. As seen in Jeremiah 2:21, the vine has become degenerate and does not produce fruit.
5 Ezekiel 15:6 → Isaiah 1:2-3 The people of Judah are accused of being useless and corrupt in Isaiah 1:2-3, which emphasizes their rebellion against God. As seen in Isaiah 1:2, the people have rebelled against God and do not produce fruit.
6 Ezekiel 15:7 → Romans 2:6-11 God's judgment on His people is emphasized in Romans 2:6-11, which teaches that He will judge them according to their deeds. As seen in Romans 2:6, God will judge each person according to their deeds.
7 Ezekiel 15:8 → 2 Corinthians 5:10 The principle of judgment according to deeds is taught in 2 Corinthians 5:10, which emphasizes that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. As seen in 2 Corinthians 5:10, we will be judged according to our deeds.
8 Ezekiel 15:1-8 → Hebrews 6:7-8 The uselessness of the vine is similar to the ground that produces thorns and thistles in Hebrews 6:7-8, which represents the judgment of God on those who do not produce fruit. As seen in Hebrews 6:8, the ground that produces thorns and thistles is near to being cursed.
9 Ezekiel 15:2 → Luke 13:6-9 The uselessness of the vine is similar to the fig tree that does not produce fruit in Luke 13:6-9, which represents the judgment of God on those who do not produce fruit. As seen in Luke 13:9, the fig tree is cut down if it does not produce fruit.
10 Ezekiel 15:4 → Galatians 5:22-23 The principle of producing spiritual fruit is taught in Galatians 5:22-23, which emphasizes the importance of producing fruit that honors God. As seen in Galatians 5:22, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, and other virtues.

Sermons on Ezekiel 15

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Mature in God by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, Reverend Leonard Ravenhill discusses the importance of going beyond simply reading the Bible and becoming "bibliographers." He emphasizes the need to seek the Lord
T. Austin-Sparks The Heavenly Calling - Part 15 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking a rhetorical question about the usefulness of a vine branch from the forest. He emphasizes that the branch is only fit for fuel and ca
John Nelson Darby Luke 13 by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby discusses the distinction between the church of God and His governmental dealings with the world, emphasizing that while grace is evident in the church, God's jus
Jonathan Edwards Wicked Men Useful in Their Destruction Only by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches on the importance of bringing forth fruit to God, using the analogy of a vine tree to illustrate how unfruitful individuals are like barren trees that are
F.B. Meyer The New Salt and Light of Human Society by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the role of Christians as the 'salt and light' of society, highlighting that living a consistent and holy life will often lead to persecution, as the world re

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 15

According to Matthew Henry, Ezekiel 15 teaches that God's people must produce spiritual fruit to be useful to Him. The chapter emphasizes the uselessness of a vine that does not produce fruit, highlighting the consequences of not being fruitful for God. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit. Henry notes that the principle of the useless vine is applied to the people of Judah, emphasizing their uselessness to God. The chapter calls God's people to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning from sin and producing spiritual fruit that honors Him. Henry emphasizes that God's judgment on His people is a major theme of the chapter, highlighting that He will judge them according to their deeds. As noted in Ezekiel 15:7, God's judgment is based on the deeds of His people. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Uselessness of the Vine

The chapter emphasizes the uselessness of a vine that does not produce fruit, highlighting the consequences of not being fruitful for God. As seen in Ezekiel 15:2, the vine is considered useless because it does not produce fruit.

The Application to Judah

The principle of the useless vine is applied to the people of Judah, emphasizing their uselessness to God. Ezekiel 15:5 further emphasizes that the people of Judah are not only useless but also destined for destruction.

The Emphasis on Judgment

God's judgment on His people is a major theme of the chapter, emphasizing that He will judge them according to their deeds. Ezekiel 15:7 highlights the consequences of God's judgment on His people.

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