10. It is sharpened to kill,polished to flash like lightning.There can be no rejoicing,for my people have disregarded every warning and punishment.
11. The sword is being polished,to make it ready for use.It is sharpened and polished,to be put in the hands of a killer.
12. Howl in grief, mortal man;this sword is meant for my peopleand for all the leaders of Israel.They are going to be killedwith all the rest of my people.Beat your breast in despair!
13. I am testing my people,and if they refuse to repent,all these things will happen to them.
14. “Now, mortal man, prophesy. Clap your hands, and the sword will strike again and again. It is a sword that kills, a sword that terrifies and slaughters.
15. It makes my people lose courage and stumble. I am threatening their city with a sword that flashes like lightning and is ready to kill.
16. Cut to the right and the left, you sharp sword! Cut wherever you turn.
17. I also will clap my hands, and my anger will be over. I, the Lord, have spoken.”
18. The Lord spoke to me.