Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. What is the vine tree more than any tree] It is certain that the vine is esteemed only on account of its fruit. In some countries, it is true, it grows to a considerable size and thickness: but, even then, it is not of a sufficient density to work into furniture. But whatever may be said of the stock of the vine, it is the branch that the prophet speaks of here; and I scarcely know the branch of any tree in the forest more useless than is the branch of the vine. Out of it who can even make a pin to drive into a mud wall, or hang any vessel on? A vine would never be cultivated for the sake of its wood; it is really worthless but as it bears fruit. What is Israel? Good for nothing, but as God influenced them to bring forth fruit to his glory. But now that they have ceased to be fruitful, they are good for nothing, but, like a withered branch of the vine, to be burnt.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Heavy judgments against lying prophets. (Ezek. 13:1-9) The insufficiency of their work. (Ezek. 13:10-16) Woes against fals prophetesses. (Ezek. 13:17-23)
Ezek. 13:1-9 Where God gives a warrant to do any thing, he give wisdom. What they delivered was not what they had seen or heard, a that is which the ministers of Christ deliver. They were not prayin prophets, had no intercourse with Heaven; they contrived how to pleas people, not how to do them good; they stood not against sin. The flattered people into vain hopes. Such widen the breach, by causing me to think themselves deserving of eternal life, when the wrath of God abides upon them.
Ezek. 13:10-16 One false prophet built the wall, set up the notion tha Jerusalem should be victorious, and made himself acceptable by it Others made the matter yet more plausible and promising; they daube the wall which the first had built; but they would, ere long, be undeceived when their work was beaten down by the storm of God's jus wrath; when the Chaldean army desolated the land. Hopes of peace an happiness, not warranted by the word of God, will cheat men; like wall well daubed, but ill built.
Ezek. 13:17-23 It is ill with those who had rather hear pleasing lie than unpleasing truths. The false prophetesses tried to make people secure, signified by laying them at ease, and to make them proud signified by the finery laid on their heads. They shall be confounde in their attempts, and God's people shall be delivered out of their hands. It behoves Christians to keep close to the word of God, and in every thing to seek the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Let us so trus the promises of God as to keep his commandments _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew בן1121 אדם120 מה4100 יהיה1961 עץ6086 הגפן1612 מכל3605 עץ6086 הזמורה2156 אשׁר834 היה1961 בעצי6086 היער׃3293
