1

And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

2

Son of man, what is the vine-tree more than any branching tree which is among the trees of the woods?

3

Will its wood be used for any work? do men make of it a pin for hanging any vessel on?

4

See, it is put into the fire for burning: the fire has made a meal of its two ends and the middle part of it is burned is it good for any work?

5

Truly, before it was cut down, it was not used for any purpose: how much less, when the fire has made a meal of it and it is burned, will it be made into anything?

6

For this cause the Lord has said: Like the vine-tree among the trees of the woods which I have given to the fire for burning, so will I give the people of Jerusalem.

7

And my face will be turned against them and though they have come out of the fire they will be burned up by it and it will be clear to you that I am the Lord when my face is turned against them.

8

And I will make the land a waste because they have done evil, says the Lord.