Tell the southern wilderness,‘ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Hear the word of the Lord! I will set you on fire, and every tree, both green and dry, will be burned. The terrible flames will not be quenched and will scorch everything from south to north.And everyone in the world will see that I, the Lord, have set this fire. It will not be put out.’”
At the blast of your breath, O God of Jacob, their horses and chariots lay still.No wonder you are greatly feared! Who can stand before you when your anger explodes?
The people are like the dead branches of a tree, broken off and used for kindling beneath the cooking pots. Israel is a foolish and stupid nation, for its people have turned away from God. Therefore, the one who made them will show them no pity or mercy.