Ezekiel 19:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The scorching wind withered his fruit—his chosen people; the pillars of his might were discarded and left desolate. The flames consumed him, leaving him parched. This is all described in a metaphorical and descriptive manner, akin to the vine and the pomegranate tree. The Prophet referred to the scorching wind as the assault by foes and the fire as the punishment inflicted upon them in response to God’s anger. He stated that the strongholds had faded, signifying the decline of the kingdom itself. Furthermore, the Prophet predicts the hardships that would befall Zedekiah following his capture.