[1] And the word of the LORD came to me, saying: [2] Son of man, how is the wood of the vine tree better than any wood of a branch which is among the trees of the forest? [3] Can wood be taken from it to do any work, or can men take a peg of it to hang any vessel on it? [4] If it has been cast into the fire for fuel and the fire has devoured both ends of it and the middle of it is burned, is it useful for any work? [5] When it was whole, it was not made into anything. How much less is it useful for any work when the fire has devoured it and it is burned! [6] Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: As the wood of the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give the inhabitants of Jerusalem. [7] I will set My face against them. Though they go out from one fire, yet the fire shall devour them. Then you shall know that I am the LORD when I set My face against them. [8] I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, says the Lord GOD.
