44. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I deal with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel, declares the Lord God.”
45. And the word of the Lord came to me:
46. “Son of man, set your face toward the southland; preach against the south, and prophesy against the forest land in the Negeb.
47. Say to the forest of the Negeb, Hear the word of the Lord: Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree in you and every dry tree. The blazing flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from south to north shall be scorched by it.
48. All flesh shall see that I the Lord have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.”
49. Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! They are saying of me, ‘Is he not a maker of parables?’”