Ezekiel 20:40-49 ▼

40 For on my holy mountain, Israel’s high mountain—the declaration of the Lord GOD—there the entire house of Israel, all of them, will serve me in the land. There I will accept them and will require your contributions and choicest gifts, all your holy offerings.

41 When I bring you from the peoples and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, I will accept you as a pleasing aroma. And I will demonstrate my holiness through you in the sight of the nations.

42 When I lead you into the land of Israel, the land I swore to give your ancestors, you will know that I am the LORD.

43 There you will remember your ways and all your deeds by which you have defiled yourself, and you will loathe yourselves for all the evil things you have done.

44 You will know that I am the LORD, house of Israel, when I have dealt with you for the sake of my name rather than according to your evil ways and corrupt acts. This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.’ ”

45 The word of the LORD came to me:

46 “Son of man, face the south and preach against it. Prophesy against the forest land in the Negev,

47 and say to the forest there, ‘Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: I am about to ignite a fire in you, and it will devour every green tree and every dry tree in you. The blazing flame will not be extinguished, and every face from the south to the north will be scorched by it.

48 Then all humanity will see that I, the LORD, have kindled it. It will not be extinguished.’ ”

49 Then I said, “Oh, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Isn’t he just composing parables? ’ ”