Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Does he not speak parables?
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.
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and gave symbols, by the witness of the prophets.
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:
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of its sheath: it shall not return any more.
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.