Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;
And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Does he not speak parables?
That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.
And utter a parable to the rebellious house, and say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yes, their altars are as heaps in the furrows of the fields.
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.