1. On the tenth day of the tenth month of the ninth year of our exile, the Lord spoke to me.
2. “Mortal man,” he said, “write down today's date, because this is the day that the king of Babylonia is beginning the siege of Jerusalem.
3. Tell my rebellious people this parable that I, the Sovereign Lord, have for them:Set the pot on the fireand fill it up with water.
4. Put in the best pieces of meat —the shoulders and the legs —fill it with choice bony pieces too.
5. Use the meat of the finest sheep;pile the wood under the pot.Let the water boil;boil the bones and the meat.”
6. This is what the Sovereign Lord is saying: “The city of murderers is doomed! It is like a corroded pot that is never cleaned. Piece after piece of meat is taken out, and not one is left.
7. There was murder in the city, but the blood was not spilt on the ground where the dust could hide it; it was spilt on a bare rock.
8. I have left the blood there, where it cannot be hidden, where it demands angry revenge.”
9. This is what the Sovereign Lord is saying: “The city of murderers is doomed! I myself will pile up the firewood.
10. Bring more wood! Fan the flames! Cook the meat! Boil away the broth! Burn up the bones!