Then the word of the LORD came to me , saying ,
“ Son of man , how does the wood of the vine surpass any (other) branch among the trees - - in the forest ?
Can wood be taken from it to make something useful ? Or can one make from it a peg on which to hang vvv utensils ?
No , it is cast into the fire for fuel. - The fire devours both ends , and the middle is charred. Can it be useful for anything ?
Even when it was whole , it could not be made useful. How much less can it ever be useful when the fire has consumed it and charred it !
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says : ‘ Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest , which I have given to the fire for fuel , so I will give up - the people of Jerusalem.
And I will set My face Though they may have escaped the fire , yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face you will know that I (am) the LORD.
Thus I will make - the land desolate , because they have acted unfaithfully ... , ’ declares the Lord GOD. ”