15:1–8 This is the first of a series of parables and extended metaphors that characterize Ezek 15:1–24:14. The prophet uses a variety of poetic images to describe Israel and recount its history of rebellion against Yahweh. This metaphor describes Israel as a vine branch—good for nothing except fuel for the fire. The parables in ch. 17 and Ezek 19 continue the vine imagery. The vine is a traditional image associated with Judah (based on Gen 49:11–12) that symbolized life and fertile growth. Isaiah uses those associations to present Judah as a vineyard (Isa 5:1–7). Jeremiah uses the image to describe Israel’s decline from a choice vine to a wild vine (Jer 2:21). Ezekiel extends that association further: Even the wild vine is now nothing but a dead vine. The ot imagery of the vine finds new life in Jesus’ characterization of Himself as the true vine in John 15:1–17.