Ezekiel 15:5 meaning

The imagery found in this verse serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual state of Jerusalem and its people during Ezekiel's time. By comparing the city to a vine that has become useless and only fit for burning, the passage underscores the profound disappointment God has with His chosen people. A vine can produce fruitful grapes, symbolizing the blessings that come from a life aligned with God's will. However, when the vine fails to produce fruit, it becomes worthless—this serves as a stark warning to Israel about the consequences of unfaithfulness.

The context of this chapter emphasizes that Jerusalem, once thriving and chosen for greatness, has degenerated into something that is unfit for service. It highlights the inevitability of judgment against a people who have strayed from their covenant with God. In light of this, the verse declares that the inhabitants, like the burned wood of a vine, will face destruction due to their failure to be what they were called to be. This aligns with the broader theme of judgment intertwined with hope for restoration that runs throughout Ezekiel's prophecies, encouraging reflection on the personal responsibility to remain faithful and fruitful in one's walk with God.

Refer to the text in Ezekiel 15:5 for the specific detail on the unfruitful vine.