5. All flesh will know that I, the Lord, have drawn my sword out of its sheath. It will not return any more.”’
6. “Therefore sigh, you son of man. You shall sigh before their eyes with a broken heart and with bitterness.
7. It shall be, when they ask you, ‘Why do you sigh?’ that you shall say, ‘Because of the news, for it comes! Every heart will melt, all hands will be feeble, every spirit will faint, and all knees will be weak as water. Behold, it comes, and it shall be done, says the Lord GOD.’”
8. the Lord’s word came to me, saying,
9. “Son of man, prophesy, and say, ‘the Lord says:“A sword! A sword!It is sharpened,and also polished.
10. It is sharpened that it may make a slaughter.It is polished that it may be as lightning.Should we then make mirth?The rod of my son condemns every tree.
11. It is given to be polished,that it may be handled.The sword is sharpened.Yes, it is polishedto give it into the hand of the killer.”’
12. Cry and wail, son of man;for it is on my people.It is on all the princes of Israel.They are delivered over to the sword with my people.Therefore beat your thigh.
13. “For there is a trial. What if even the rod that condemns will be no more?” says the Lord GOD.
14. “You therefore, son of man, prophesy,and strike your hands together.Let the sword be doubled the third time,the sword of the fatally wounded.It is the sword of the great one who is fatally wounded,which enters into their rooms.
15. I have set the threatening sword against all their gates,that their heart may melt,and their stumblings be multiplied.Ah! It is made as lightning.It is pointed for slaughter.
16. Gather yourselves together.Go to the right.Set yourselves in array.Go to the left,wherever your face is set.
17. I will also strike my hands together,and I will cause my wrath to rest.I, the Lord, have spoken it.”
18. the Lord’s word came to me again, saying,