Topical Bible: The Vine: The Wood of, Fit Only for Burning

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In biblical literature, the imagery of the vine is frequently employed to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons. One particular aspect of this imagery is the notion that the wood of the vine is fit only for burning, a theme that underscores the importance of fruitfulness and the consequences of spiritual barrenness.

Biblical References

The primary scriptural reference for the concept of the vine's wood being fit only for burning is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 15:1-8, the prophet presents a parable concerning the wood of the vine:

> "Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 'Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any other branch among the trees in the forest? Can wood be taken from it to make something useful? Or can one make a peg from it to hang any vessel on? Behold, it is given to the fire for fuel. When the fire has consumed both ends of it and the middle is charred, is it useful for anything? Even when it was whole, it could not be made into anything useful. How much less, when the fire has consumed it and it is charred, can it ever be used for anything! Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give up the people of Jerusalem. I will set My face against them. Although they have come out of the fire, yet the fire will consume them. Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I set My face against them.'" (Ezekiel 15:1-7)

Symbolism and Interpretation

The vine, often a symbol of Israel (cf. Psalm 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7), is here used to illustrate the nation's failure to fulfill its divine purpose. Unlike other trees whose wood can be used for construction or crafting, the vine's wood is inherently weak and unsuitable for any practical use. Its only value lies in its ability to produce fruit. When it fails to do so, it becomes worthless and is destined for the fire.

This imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual fruitfulness. Just as the vine's wood is useless without fruit, so too are God's people when they fail to live in accordance with His will and produce the fruits of righteousness. The burning of the vine's wood symbolizes divine judgment upon unfaithfulness and spiritual barrenness.

New Testament Parallels

The theme of the vine and its fruitfulness is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In John 15:1-6, Jesus declares Himself to be the "true vine," and His followers the branches:

> "I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned." (John 15:1-6)

Here, the emphasis is on the necessity of abiding in Christ to bear fruit. The fate of the unfruitful branches—being cast into the fire—parallels the Old Testament imagery of the vine's wood being fit only for burning. This serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of remaining in Christ and living a life that reflects His teachings.

Theological Implications

The imagery of the vine's wood being fit only for burning carries significant theological implications. It highlights the expectation of fruitfulness in the life of believers and the serious consequences of failing to meet this expectation. The metaphor serves as a call to self-examination and repentance, urging believers to remain faithful and productive in their spiritual walk.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the vine's wood as fit only for burning serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of spiritual fruitfulness and the dire consequences of spiritual barrenness. Through this imagery, Scripture calls God's people to a life of faithfulness, obedience, and fruitful service in His kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 15:2-5
Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Blessed are they that Mourn
... Mourn to see God's church a bleeding vine. ... Impenitence fits these vessels for
hell, and makes them like sere wood which is fit to burn. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

South -- the Image of God in Man
... to subsist than to love; and, like the vine, it withers ... to exercise and exert themselves
in; a fit tabernacle for ... A man hews him down a tree in the wood, and a ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/south the image of.htm

God's People in the Furnace
... shall come when we shall sit under our own vine and our ... They slew the lamb, they
laid the wood; but there was no ... you long out of heaven when you are fit for it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/gods people in the furnace.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... the betterment lieth in the trees of the wood, for they ... forth fruit, yea, good fruit,
they are fit for nothing ... Thus saith the Lord God, As the vine-tree among ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Continuation of the Discourse on the Holy Ghost.
... For it was fit, as some have interpreted, that the primacy and ... shew that it is He
who by the wood of the ... but this new wine was from a spiritual Vine, which had ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvii continuation of the.htm

La Brea
... For the want of human beings fit for all that ... brown flower-heads, like those of our
Wood-rush, blue ... Overhead, sprawled and dangled the common Vine-bamboo, {161c ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter viii la brea.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... of the land, who were left to be vine-dressers and ... language and learning of the
Chaldeans, to fit them for ... The word originally signified a staff of wood of the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Soul Winner
... Is it not natural for a vine to bear clusters of ... it is not a mere post of the dead
wood of doctrine ... transplanted to the glory land, it is getting fit for its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the soul winner.htm

Outward Bound
... The evening skies are fit weeds for widowed Eos ... line of sand shone between blue water
and green wood. ... and mimosas, covered with a creeping vine with brilliant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm

Man's Chief End
... time is not time lived, but time lost; who are like the wood of the vine, Ezekiel
15 ... Drunkards and swearers are not fit to enjoy God in glory; the Lord will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm