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out from the main branch
Ezekiel 19:10-14 (JDV)
Ezekiel 19:10 Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard, planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water.
Ezekiel 19:11 It had strong branches, fit for the scepters of rulers; its height towered among the clouds. So it was conspicuous for its height as well as its many branches.
Ezekiel 19:12 But it was uprooted in fury, thrown to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit. Its strong branches were torn off and dried up; the fire consumed them.
Ezekiel 19:13 Now it is planted in the open country, in a dry and thirsty land.
Ezekiel 19:14 Fire has gone out from its main branch and has devoured its fruit so that it no longer has a strong branch, a scepter for ruling. This is a dirge and should be used as a dirge.”
out from the main branch
In previous passages, Ezekiel responds to the tendency of his people to blame God for cursing them because of the sins of their fathers. In this allegory, it is clear that the fire came out from the main branch of Judah itself. God is only guilty of bringing upon them the result of their own disobedience.
LORD, give us the wisdom to own up to our sin and to come to you in repentance.