Ezekiel 15:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And you will know that I am the Lord when I set My face against them and make the land desolate and uninhabitable because they have acted treacherously, says the Lord God. The Septuagint rather translates: the annual purging of it consumed by fire, and vanished completely. Furthermore, instead of “when I turn my face upon them,” the translation is “when I establish.” Additionally, where we have interpreted “treachery," it is rendered as “sin.” These various images, which the Greeks call parables, foreshadow the destruction of Jerusalem. Previously (Ezek. 4), under the image of a frying-pan, the cold meat of the people is depicted, as well as the brick representing the city's fortifications and siege works. These symbolize the siege of Jerusalem and the famine, as we will also see in this prophet and what is recorded in Jeremiah (Jer. 1:13: The pot set on fire from the northern face points to the city of Jerusalem, and the cut-down forest of the Negev, Theban, and Darom (Ezek. 20:46) foretells the same). Similarly, here, Jerusalem is compared to a vineyard and a fruitful vine. In another place, it is stated, "I have planted you a fruitful vine, entirely true; how is it you have become a sorrowful, strange vine?" (Jeremiah 2:21). In Isaiah (Is. 5:3), it is written: "I have planted, says He, grapes of sorek," meaning select and fine grapes. The Psalms declare, "You brought out a vine from Egypt; you cast out nations and planted it; you established it" (Psalms 79:9-10). From Scripture, we more clearly learn that the grapes of the Lord of hosts are the house of Israel (Isaiah 5:7). While this grape bears fruit, no other tree in the forest is more valuable, but if it ceases to bear fruit, it becomes worthless, destined to be burned together with its root and shoots. Though other forest trees (not fruit trees, as Scripture doesn’t mention them now) are useful when cut down, being used for various agricultural purposes or crafting weapons, a vine that stops bearing fruit becomes so useless that even a stake for hanging cannot be made from it. When its limbs are severed, the flames consume it, turning it to ash, rendering it entirely useless, as even when whole, without fruit it is of no worth. The ambiguous Hebrew word sene, composed of three letters—shin, nun, and iod—can be interpreted as either "two" or "years." Thus, instead of “both sides of it,” the LXX translates as “the annual purification of it,” while Aquila suggests “two ends,” and Simmachus and Theodotion refer to “two edges.” The implication is clear: just as a barren vine is surrendered to be burned and is of no value, so will Jerusalem and its people be given to the flames; yet, even if they escape the city, they will be slain by their enemies; those who remain, burdened by their hardships, will recognize Me as God when I turn My face towards them and abandon them to eternal ruin, not as sinners like the other nations, but as traitors. It is one thing to reject what is unknown and another to despise what has been honored. The vineyard and Jerusalem can also spiritually represent all believers. If they become careless and forsake their former reverence for God, yielding no fruit of virtue but failing to produce wine to gladden the heart, they will face eternal condemnation and be deemed worthless. For the servant who does not carry out his master's will will be subjected to severe punishment (Luke 12:4-7). The Lord similarly states in the Gospel of John: I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit will be cut off, and every branch that bears fruit will be pruned to yield even more (John 15:1-2). If the Savior is the vine and we are the branches, and God the Father is the gardener, then as long as we adhere to God's commandments, we remain continually nurtured, and this nurturing is purification, for it depends neither on the one who wants it nor on the one engaged in it, but on God who shows mercy (Rom. 9:16). When we bear fruit, we are pruned by the Father to bear even more fruit; it is evident that only by God's assistance do our efforts come to fruition and produce perfect results. But a branch that does not bear fruit will be removed by the Father. However, the Scripture does not specify what He will do with it after it is gone; unless, of course, the separation from Christ's body leads to eternal punishment and destruction. The meaning of vineyard and vine is further elucidated in the Gospel: good salt is valuable; but if salt loses its flavor, it has no purpose but to be cast out and trampled by men (Mark 9:49; Matthew 5:13). Moreover, if the eye, which gives light to the body, goes blind, the Lord warns: if the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Matthew 6:23). Compared to those who betray and deny the God they professed, punishing those who have never known God is far simpler. Yet, the trees of the forest or groves serve various purposes within the great house, which contains vessels of gold and silver, as well as wood and clay, some for honor and others for dishonor (2 Tim. 2:20).