International Children’s Bible

Ezekiel 21:5-12 International Children’s Bible (ICB)

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 being, groan with breaking heart and great sadness. Make these sad sounds in front of the people.

7. They will ask you, ‘Why do you make these sad sounds?’ Then you will say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear. All hands will become weak. Everyone will be afraid. All knees will become weak as water. Look, it is coming. It will happen, says the Lord God.’”

8. The Lord spoke his word to me. He said,

9. “Human being, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says:A sword, a sword,made sharp and polished.

10. It is made sharp for the killing.It is polished to flash like lightning.“‘You are not happy about this horrible punishment by the sword. But my son, Judah, you did not change when you were only beaten with a rod.

11. The sword should be polished.The sword is meant to be held in the hand.It is made sharp and polished.It is made ready for the hand of the killer.

12. Shout and yell, human being.This is because the sword is against my people.It is against all the rulers of Israel.They will be killed by the sword,along with my people.So beat your chest in sadness.