8. But the vine was already growing in fertile soil, where there was plenty of water to produce healthy leaves and large grapes.
9. Now tell me, Ezekiel, do you think this grapevine will live? Or will the first eagle pull it up by its roots and pluck off the grapes and let its new leaves die? The eagle could easily kill it without the help of a large and powerful army.
10. The grapevine is strong and healthy, but as soon as the scorching desert wind blows, it will quickly wither.
11. The Lord said:
12. Ezekiel, ask the rebellious people of Israel if they know what this story means.Tell them that the king of Babylonia came to Jerusalem, then he captured the king of Judah and his officials, and took them back to Babylon as prisoners.
13. He chose someone from the family of Judah's king and signed a treaty with him, then made him swear to be loyal. He also led away other important citizens,
14. so that the rest of the people of Judah would obey only him and never gain control of their own country again.
15. But this new king of Judah later rebelled against Babylonia and sent officials to Egypt to get horses and troops. Will this king be successful in breaking the treaty with Babylonia? Or will he be punished for what he's done?