1: GOD's Message came to me:
2: "Son of man, how would you compare the wood of a vine with the branches of any tree you'd find in the forest?
3: Is vine wood ever used to make anything? Is it used to make pegs to hang things from?
4: "I don't think so. At best it's good for fuel. Look at it: a flimsy piece of vine, thrown in the fire and then rescued--the ends burned off and the middle charred. Now is it good for anything?
5: "Hardly. When it was whole it wasn't good for anything. Half-burned is no improvement. What's it good for?
6: "So here's the Message of GOD, the Master: Like the wood of the vine I selected from among the trees of the forest and used as fuel for the fire, just so I'll treat those who live in Jerusalem.
7: I am dead set against them. Even though at one time they got out of the fire charred, the fire's going to burn them up. When I take my stand against them, you'll realize that I am GOD.
8: I'll turn this country into a wilderness because they've been faithless." Decree of GOD, the Master.