44. Then you will know that I am the Lord when I have dealt with you for My name's sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel," declares the Lord God.'"
45. Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
46. "Son of man, set your face toward Teman, and speak out against the south and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev,
47. and say to the forest of the Negev, 'Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am about to kindle a fire in you, and it will consume every green tree in you, as well as every dry tree; the blazing flame will not be quenched and the whole surface from south to north will be burned by it.
48. All flesh will see that I, the Lord, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched."'"
49. Then I said, "Ah Lord God! They are saying of me, 'Is he not just speaking parables?'"