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15:1–8 This is the first of a series of parables and extended metaphors that characterize Ezek 15:1–24:14. The prophet uses a variety of poetic images to describe Israel and recount its history of rebellion against Yahweh. This metaphor describes Israel as a vine branch—good for nothing except fuel for the fire. The parables in ch. 17 and Ezek 19 continue the vine imagery. The vine is a traditional image associated with Judah (based on Gen 49:11–12) that symbolized life and fertile growth. Isaiah uses those associations to present Judah as a vineyard (Isa 5:1–7). Jeremiah uses the image to describe Israel’s decline from a choice vine to a wild vine (Jer 2:21). Ezekiel extends that association further: Even the wild vine is now nothing but a dead vine. The ot imagery of the vine finds new life in Jesus’ characterization of Himself as the true vine in John 15:1–17.

Vine, Vineyard DBI

15:2 the wood of the vine Israel is depicted as a vineyard in Jer 12:10 and so is Judah in Isa 5:1–7 (see note on Isa 5:1).

Vine, Vineyard ZEB Q—Z

15:3 can they take a tent peg from it While the vine symbolized life and agricultural growth, once the plant itself had died, the wood was useless for making even the most basic of tools.

15:4 fire as fuel The wood of the vine is unfit for anything but fuel.

15:5 it will not be used for anything Even before burning, the branch is unfit for any use; it is even more useless after being burned.

The Hebrew phrase aph ki indicates a comparison by degrees: if X is the case, how much the more so is Y? This type of argument, known in Jewish tradition as qal wa-chomer (“light to heavy”), is common in the Bible. Jesus uses it in the Gospels (John 10:34–36), and the writer of Hebrews employs it extensively (e.g., Heb 1:4; 2:2–3). Later rabbinic tradition (e.g., the Talmud) also relied heavily on this form of reasoning to apply legal precedents. This form of logic is commonly indicated by the Latin phrase a fortiori.

15:6 the inhabitants of Jerusalem The analogy is drawn out. Like the wood of the vine is fit only for fuel, Israel been set apart as fit only for judgment by fire.

15:7 I will set my face against them A posture of judgment (see Ezek 14:8 and note).

	About Faithlife Study Bible Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.
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