1. A useless vine (15:1-8)

The Lord intended for Israel to be a choice vine, and so he cared for them with love to make them fruitful (Isa 5). Instead they became unfaithful and useless. They became like the wood of a vine, suitable only to be thrown into the fire and burned. When the fires of siege and invasion did not lead those who remained to repentance, they became worse than useless.

2. An adulterous wife (16:1-34)

The Lord found Israel, a despised nation, and chose them. He loved them, made a solemn covenant and was ever faithful. He became the source of her beauty among the nations, but they rejected God and practiced the idol worship and lifestyle of those around them. They traded their love relationship with the Lord for political alliances with other nations. They became worse than a prostitute, because they did all this for nothing in return. Israel heaped humiliation on the Lord who raised her, invoking his anger and judgment.