8. The Lord said:
9-10. Ezekiel, son of man, tell the people of Jerusalem:I have sharpened my swordto slaughter you;it is shiny and will flashlike lightning!Don't celebrate—punishment is coming,because everyone has ignoredmy warnings.
11. My sword has been polished;it's sharp and ready to kill.
12. Groan in sorrow, Ezekiel;the sword is drawn againstmy people and their leaders.They will die!So give up all hope.
13. I am testing my people,and they can do nothingto stop me.I, the Lord, have spoken.
14. Ezekiel, warn my people,then celebrate my victoryby clapping your hands.My vicious sword will attackagain and again,killing my peoplewith every stroke.
15. They will lose all courageand stumble with fear.My slaughtering swordis waiting at every gate,flashing and ready to kill.
16. It will slash right and left,wherever the blade is pointed.
17. Then I will stop being angry,and I will clap my handsin victory.I, the Lord, have spoken.
18. The Lord said:
19. Ezekiel, son of man, mark two roads for the king of Babylonia to follow when he comes with his sword. The roads will begin at the same place, but be sure to put up a signpost where the two roads separate and go in different directions.