Ezekiel 17:5–10

⁵He also took a seedling from the land

and planted it in fertile soil.

He placed it beside a broad river,

where it could grow like a willow tree.

⁶It took root there and

grew into a low, spreading vine.

Its branches turned up toward the eagle,

and its roots grew down into the ground.

It produced strong branches

and put out shoots.

⁷But then another great eagle came

with broad wings and full plumage.

So the vine now sent its roots and branches

toward him for water,

⁸even though it was already planted in good soil

and had plenty of water

so it could grow into a splendid vine

and produce rich leaves and luscious fruit.

⁹“So now the Sovereign Lord asks:

Will this vine grow and prosper?

No! I will pull it up, roots and all!

I will cut off its fruit

and let its leaves wither and die.

I will pull it up easily

without a strong arm or a large army.

¹⁰But when the vine is transplanted,

will it thrive?

No, it will wither away

when the east wind blows against it.

It will die in the same good soil

where it had grown so well.”