10. It is sharpened to kill people. It flashes like lightning." ' " The people say, "Should we take delight in the rod of the ruler of the Lord's son Judah? The sword looks down on every stick like that."
11. The Lord says, "I have told Nebuchadnezzar to shine his sword. It is in his hand. It has been sharpened and shined. It is ready for the killer's hand.
12. Son of man, cry out and sob. The sword is against my people. It is against all of the princes of Israel. It will kill them along with the rest of my people. So beat your chest in sorrow.
13. "You can be sure that testing will come. Why does the sword look down on the rod? Because the rod will not continue to rule," announces the Lord and King.
14. "Son of man, prophesy. Clap your hands. Let the sword strike twice. Let it strike even three times. It is a sword to kill people. It is a sword to kill many people. It is closing in on them from every side.
15. People's hearts will melt away in fear. Many will be wounded or killed. I have prepared the sword to kill people at all of their city gates. It flashes like lightning. It is in the killer's hand.
16. Sword, cut to the right. Then cut to the left. Strike people down everywhere your blade is turned.
17. I too will clap my hands. My burning anger will calm down. I have spoken. I am the Lord."