[1] And the word of the LORD came to me: [2] "Son of man, how does the wood
of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch which is among the trees of
the forest? [3] Is wood taken from it to make anything? Do men take a peg
from it to hang any vessel on? [4] Lo, it is given to the fire for fuel;
when the fire has consumed both ends of it, and the middle of it is
charred, is it useful for anything? [5] Behold, when it was whole, it was
used for nothing; how much less, when the fire has consumed it and it is
charred, can it ever be used for anything! [6] Therefore thus says the Lord
GOD: Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have
given to the fire for fuel, so will I give up the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
[7] And I will set my face against them; though they escape from the fire,
the fire shall yet consume them; and you will know that I am the LORD, when
I set my face against them. [8] And I will make the land desolate, because
they have acted faithlessly, says the Lord GOD."
