Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
And the word of the LORD came unto 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 its sheath: it shall not return any more.
And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus says 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 gave symbols, by the witness of the prophets.
Is there iniquity in Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars are like 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 in a mirror dimly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.