1. Then the Lord spoke his word to me, saying:
2. “Human, look toward Jerusalem and speak against the holy place. Prophesy against the land of Israel.
3. Say to Israel: ‘This is what the Lord says: I am against you. I will pull my sword out of its holder, and I will cut off from you both the wicked and those who do right.
4. Because I am going to cut off the wicked and those who do right, my sword will come out from its holder and attack all people from south to north.
5. Then all people will know that I, the Lord, have pulled my sword out from its holder. My sword will not go back in again.’
6. “So, human, groan with breaking heart and great sadness. Groan in front of the people.
7. When they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you will say, ‘Because of what I have heard is going to happen. When it happens, every heart will melt with fear, and all hands will become weak. Everyone will be afraid; all knees will become weak as water. Look, it is coming, and it will happen, says the Lord God.’ ”
8. The Lord spoke his word to me, saying:
9. “Human, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says:A sword, a sword,made sharp and polished.