Used as Fuel for the Fire

1-3 God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, how would you compare the wood of a vine with the branches of any tree you’d find in the forest? 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?

6-8 “So here’s the Message ofGod, 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. 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 amGod. I’ll turn this country into a wilderness because they’ve been faithless.” Decree ofGod, the Master.

—https://d1b84921e69nmq.cloudfront.net/85/32k/EZK/15-5b7191661074bdf4c13b7be54930eea3.mp3?version_id=97—