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.
13. “‘The test will come. And Judah, who is hated by the armies of Babylon, will not last, says the Lord God.’
14. “So, human being, prophesy.And clap your hands.Let the sword hittwo or three times.It is the sword for killing.It is the sword for much killing.This sword surrounds the people.