TO THE FADING FLOWER OF EPHRAIM

Beloved, say to the fading flower of Ephraim:

Woe to you who sit on the head of the rich valley, and woe to those in Lebanon who conspire with them. I have a nation, who is mighty and strong, who will come upon you as a mighty tempest. You will be plucked and eaten quickly as the first ripened fig of the summer. Though you have made a covenant with death and reel with the strong wine of your princes, it will come to nought.

These people have long honored me with their lips while their hearts knew me not, and my commandments were learned by rote instead of written on their hearts. For the Lord has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep and has closed your eyes to the prophets. The words of your book have been sealed so that no man can understand.

But now, prepare! For the Lord will do a wonderful and mighty work. Lebanon will become a fertile field and the wisdom of your wise men shall perish. Instead of a covenant with death, your covenant will be with Me. Instead of your wise men's words on your lips, My words will be written on your hearts.

Then Lebanon will carry these words to Ephraim and out of the gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.