2 “Son of man, give this riddle, and tell this story to the people of Israel.
3 Give them this message from the Sovereign lord:“A great eagle with broad wings and long feathers,covered with many-colored plumage,came to Lebanon.He seized the top of a cedar tree
4 and plucked off its highest branch.He carried it away to a city filled with merchants.He planted it in a city of traders.
5 He also took a seedling from the landand planted it in fertile soil.He placed it beside a broad river,where it could grow like a willow tree.
6 It took root there andgrew into a low, spreading vine.Its branches turned up toward the eagle,and its roots grew down into the ground.It produced strong branchesand put out shoots.
7 But then another great eagle camewith broad wings and full plumage.So the vine now sent its roots and branchestoward him for water,
8 even though it was already planted in good soiland had plenty of waterso it could grow into a splendid vineand produce rich leaves and luscious fruit.