Ezekiel 15

²Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

The vine-tree - Israel is here compared to a vine, which, when fruitless, is utterly unprofitable. This the prophet minds them of to humble them, and awaken them to fruitfulness. A branch - One branch of a tree in the forest is of more use than the whole vine-tree is, except for its fruit.

³Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?

A pin - Will it afford even a pin to drive into a wall or post, on which you may safely fasten any weight.

⁴Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?

For fuel - When for its barrenness it is cut down, it is fit only to burn.

⁶Therefore 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.

Given - Doomed for food to the fire.

⁸And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.

Because - They have been so perpetually trespassing, that it seems a continued act.