Metaphors. The first of several metaphors comes from the stone-cutter’s trade (17:1–4). Sin’s endemic nature is emphasized by the image of a hard-pointed chisel permanently etching the people’s fundamental contrariness in stone. The new covenant will be designed to undo this condition (31:33; cf. Prov 7:3). This perversity is recorded at the altars for future generations. The second metaphor is agricultural (17:5–8). The stunted shrub on salty flats is a picture of one who trusts solely in human