Study Desk

" 'Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard ^(F39) planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water.

Its branches were strong, fit for a ruler's scepter. It towered high above the thick foliage, conspicuous for its height and for its many branches.

But it was uprooted in fury and thrown to the ground. The east wind made it shrivel, it was stripped of its fruit; its strong branches withered and fire consumed them.

Now it is planted in the desert, in a dry and thirsty land.

Fire spread from one of its main branches and consumed its fruit. No strong branch is left on it fit for a ruler's scepter.' This is a lament and is to be used as a lament."