3. Give them this message from the Sovereign lord:“A great eagle with broad wings and long feathers,covered with many-colored plumage,came to Lebanon.He seized the top of a cedar tree
4. and plucked off its highest branch.He carried it away to a city filled with merchants.He planted it in a city of traders.
5. He also took a seedling from the landand planted it in fertile soil.He placed it beside a broad river,where it could grow like a willow tree.
6. It took root there andgrew into a low, spreading vine.Its branches turned up toward the eagle,and its roots grew down into the ground.It produced strong branchesand put out shoots.
7. But then another great eagle camewith broad wings and full plumage.So the vine now sent its roots and branchestoward him for water,
8. even though it was already planted in good soiland had plenty of waterso it could grow into a splendid vineand produce rich leaves and luscious fruit.