1. A message came to me from the Lord. He said,
2. "Son of man, turn your attention to Jerusalem. Preach against the temple. Prophesy against the land of Israel.
3. "Tell them, 'The Lord says, "I am against you. I will pull out my sword. I will cut off from you godly people and sinful people alike.
4. Because I am going to cut them off, my sword will be ready to use. I will strike everyone down from south to north.
5. Then all people will know that I have pulled out my sword. I will not put it back. I am the Lord." '
6. "Groan, son of man! Groan in front of your people with a broken heart and bitter sorrow.
7. They will ask you, 'Why are you groaning?' "Then you will say, 'Because of the news that is coming. The hearts of all of the people will melt away in fear. Their hands will not be able to help them. Their spirits will grow weak. And their knees will become as weak as water.' "The news is coming! You can be sure those things will happen," announces the Lord and King.
8. A message came to me from the Lord. He said,