Ezekiel 20:40-49 ▼

40 For on My holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land. There I will accept them and will require your offerings and choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices.

41 When I bring you from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered, I will accept you as a pleasing aroma. And I will show My holiness through you in the sight of the nations.

42 Then you will know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land that I swore to give your fathers.

43 There you will remember your ways and all the deeds with which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evils you have done.

44 Then you will know, O house of Israel, that I am the LORD, when I have dealt with you for the sake of My name and not according to your wicked ways and corrupt acts, declares the Lord GOD.”

45 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

46 “Son of man, set your face toward the south, preach against it, and prophesy against the forest of the Negev.

47 Say to the forest of the Negev: Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite in you a fire, and it will devour all your trees, both green and dry. The blazing flame will not be quenched, and by it every face from south to north will be scorched.

48 Then all people will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it; it will not be quenched.”

49 Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’”