45 Then Yahweh gave me another message: 46 “Humanity’s child, look towards the southern lands, and speak against the south—prophesy against the Negev forest. 47 Tell the forest that this is the master Yahweh’s declaration: See, I will set a fire among you. It will burn up every tree among you, whether living or dead. The fiery flame won’t be able to be put out—every area from the north to the south will be burnt. 48 Then every person will see that I am Yahweh when I light the fire, and it won’t get extinguished.’ ”

49 Then I said, “Oh no, my master Yahweh, now they’re wondering if I’m just someone who tells cute parables.”