This final word on the results of reprobation leads naturally to the part of the prophecy dealing with the reason thereof. This reason is first set forth under two general figures; second, in the form of a riddle; third, as an answer-to a false excuse; and, finally, in a great lament.
The figures were familiar because they had been used by former prophets. The first figure was of the vine. Its uselessness as a tree was declared. It provided no wood which men could work, not even a pin on which a vessel might be hung, the meaning of this most evidently being that the one and only value of a vine is its fruit. How worse than useless then is it when burned.
The application of the figure was made immediately to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who were to be given to the fire because of their trespass. The connection of this prophecy with the song of Isaiah is evident. According to that song the judgment against the men of Judah was due to the fact that when Jehovah looked for grapes they brought forth wild grapes.