4. I’m going to kill the righteous people and the wicked people among you. That is why my sword will come out of its scabbard to be used against everyone from the south to the north.
5. Then everyone will know that I, the Lord, have taken my sword from its scabbard, and I will not put it back again.’
6. “So, son of man, groan with a breaking heart and with bitter crying while the people watch you.
7. When they ask you why you are groaning, say, ‘News has come that will discourage everyone. People’s hands will hang limp, their hearts will lose courage, and their knees will become as weak as water. It’s coming! It will surely take place!’ declares the Almighty Lord.”
8. The Lord spoke his word to me. He said,
9. “Son of man, prophesy. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord says:A sword, a sword is sharpened and polished,
10. It’s sharpened to killand polished to flash like lightning.How can we rejoice?My son has refused to be disciplined or punished.
11. The sword has been handed over to be polished,to be placed in the hand.The sword is being sharpened and polishedto be placed in the hands of killers.