Study Desk

The vine had strong branches, good enough for a king's scepter. The vine became tall among the thick branches. And it was seen, because it was tall with many branches.

Fire spread from the vine's main branch, destroying its fruit. There is not a strong branch left on it that could become a scepter for a king.' This is a funeral song; it is to be used as a funeral song."

At that time I promised them I would bring them out of Egypt into a land I had found for them, a fertile land, the best land in the world.

But I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be dishonored in full view of the nations where the Israelites lived. I made myself known to the Israelites with a promise to bring them out of Egypt while the nations were watching.

But I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be dishonored in full view of the nations who watched as I had brought the Israelites out of Egypt.

But I held back my anger. I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be dishonored in full view of the nations who watched as I brought the Israelites out.

"‘This is what the Lord God says: People of Israel, go serve your idols for now. But later you will listen to me; you will not continue to dishonor my holy name with your gifts and gods.

There you will remember everything you did that made you unclean, and then you will hate yourselves for all the evil things you have done.

I will deal with you for the sake of my name, not because of your evil ways or unclean actions. Then you will know I am the Lord , people of Israel, says the Lord God .'"

It is made sharp for the killing. It is polished to flash like lightning. "‘You are not happy about this horrible punishment by the sword. But my son Judah, you did not change when you were only beaten with a rod.

The sword should be polished. It is meant to be held in the hand. It is made sharp and polished, ready for the hand of a killer.

Shout and yell, human, because the sword is meant for my people, for all the rulers of Israel. They will be killed by the sword, along with my people. So beat your chest in sadness.

"So, human, prophesy and clap your hands. Let the sword strike two or three times. It is a sword meant for killing, a sword meant for much killing. This sword surrounds the people to be killed.

Their hearts will melt with fear, and many people will die. I have placed the killing sword at all their city gates. Oh! The sword is made to flash like lightning. It is held, ready for killing.

You will be like fuel for the fire; you will die in the land. You will not be remembered, because I, the Lord , have spoken.'"

"‘So, Jerusalem, I will shake my fist at you for stealing money and for murdering people.

Like wolves tearing a dead animal, Jerusalem's leaders have killed people for profit.

"I looked for someone to build up the walls and to stand before me where the walls are broken to defend these people so I would not have to destroy them. But I could not find anyone.

"While still my wife, Samaria had sexual relations with other men. She had great sexual desire for her lovers, men from Assyria. The Assyrians were warriors and

Samaria became a prostitute for all the important men in Assyria and made herself unclean with all the idols of everyone she desired.