42. When I bring you back to Israel, the land that I promised I would give to your ancestors, then you will know that I am the Lord.
43. Then you will remember all the disgraceful things you did and how you defiled yourselves. You will be disgusted with yourselves because of all the evil things you did.
44. When I act to protect my honour, you Israelites will know that I am the Lord, because I do not deal with you as your wicked, evil actions deserve.” The Sovereign Lord has spoken.
45. The Lord spoke to me.
46. “Mortal man,” he said, “look towards the south. Speak against the south and prophesy against the forest of the south.
47. Tell the southern forest to hear what the Sovereign Lord is saying: look! I am starting a fire, and it will burn up every tree in you, whether green or dry. Nothing will be able to put it out. It will spread from south to north, and everyone will feel the heat of the flames.
48. They will all see that I, the Lord, set it on fire and that no one can put it out.”
49. But I protested, “Sovereign Lord, don't make me do it! Everyone is already complaining that I always speak in riddles.”