5. Everyone will know that I, the Lord, have drawn my sword and that I will not put it away.
6. “Mortal man, groan as if your heart is breaking with despair. Groan in sorrow where everyone can watch you.
7. When they ask you why you are groaning, tell them it is because of the news that is coming. When it comes, their hearts will be filled with fear, their hands will hang limp, their courage will fail, and their knees will tremble. The time has come; it is here.” The Sovereign Lord has spoken.
8. The Lord said to me,
9. “Mortal man, prophesy. Tell the people what I, the Lord, am saying:A sword, a sword is sharpened and polished.
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!