The uselessness of Jerusalem after it turned away from its calling is compared to the uselessness of a grapevine: too fragile for construction, unsuitable for weaving mats, and unfit as fodder for livestock. It is good only for...
The uselessness of Jerusalem after it turned away from its calling is compared to the uselessness of a grapevine: too fragile for construction, unsuitable for weaving mats, and unfit as fodder for livestock. It is good only for being thrown into the fire, and even there the vine quickly burns away without producing heat comparable to that of other fuels.
But if this is so, why will Jesus compare Himself specifically to a grapevine when He bids farewell to His disciples? Is His self-emptying revealed in this comparison as well? Or perhaps, by likening Himself to a “worthless and good-for-nothing” vine, did He wish to show us that in His eyes everything people are accustomed to reject—and all the more those whom society habitually looks down upon because of their unappealing appearance—also possess a value that eludes human perception?
15 God by the similitude of a vine, foreshews the utter destruction of Jerusalem, Eze 15:1-8.
15:2 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.
15:3 A pin - Will it afford even a pin to drive into a wall or post, on which you may safely fasten any weight.
15:4 For fuel - When for its barrenness it is cut down, it is fit only to burn.
15:6 Given - Doomed for food to the fire.
15:8 Because - They have been so perpetually trespassing, that it seems a continued act.