Ezekiel – Chapter 15

Old Testament • 8 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 15 of Ezekiel begins: "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:" Across its 8 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's protection and deliverance. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

2Son of man, what shall be made of the wood of the vine, out of all the trees of the woods that are among the trees of the forests?

3Shall wood be taken of it, to do any work, or shall a pin be made of it for any vessel to hang thereon?

4Behold it is cast into the fire for fuel: the fire hath consumed both ends thereof, and the midst thereof is reduced to ashes: shall it be useful for any work?

5Even when it was whole it was not fit for work: how much less, when the fire hath devoured and consumed it, shall any work be made of it?

6Therefore thus saith the Lord God: As the vine tree among the trees of the forests which I have given to the fire to be consumed, so will I deliver up the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

7And I will set my face against them: they shall go out from fire, and fire shall consume them: and you shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have set my face against them.

8And I shall have made their land a wilderness, and desolate, because they have been transgressors, saith the Lord God.

Important Verses in Ezekiel 15

“And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:”

Ezekiel 15:1

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God: As the vine tree among the trees of the forests which I have given to the fire to be consumed, so will I deliver up the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”

Ezekiel 15:6

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Ezekiel was written with the exiles in Babylon, moved from despair to hope of restoration in view. Chapter 15 of 48 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a prophetic oracle addressed to Israel in a moment of covenant crisis or renewal with 8 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:" The final verse reads: "And I shall have made their land a wilderness, and desolate, because they have been transgressors, saith the Lord God. " The wider setting of Ezekiel is this: Ezekiel was deported to Babylon in 597 BC and prophesied among the exiles through astonishing visions: God's throne-chariot, the departure of His glory from the Temple, the valley of dry bones brought to life, and a new… The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About 593-571 BC, in Babylon.

Who Wrote It

The prophet Ezekiel, priest and exile

When It Was Written

About 593-571 BC, in Babylon

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this oracle names the sins, judgments, or promises relevant to its original hearers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

Catholic exegesis reads Ezekiel 15 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Ezekiel's visions inform Catholic understanding of heaven and liturgy (CIC 1137). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 355).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

Reflection for Today

Ezekiel Chapter 15, containing 8 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1431). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands judgment, restoration, and God's glory.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1814).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ezekiel Chapter 15 about?

Ezekiel 15 contains 8 verses. It opens with "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:" and closes with "And I shall have made their land a wilderness, and desolate, because they have been transgressors, saith the Lord God. ". The book as a whole is prophetic visions and oracles.

What is a key verse in Ezekiel 15?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Ezekiel and when?

The prophet Ezekiel, priest and exile. About 593-571 BC, in Babylon.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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