11. “‘The sword is made to glisten,to be held and brandished.It’s sharpened and polished,ready to be brandished by the killer.’
12. “Yell out and wail, son of man.The sword is against my people!The princes of Israeland my people—abandoned to the sword!Wring your hands!Tear out your hair!
13. “‘Testing comes.Why have you despised discipline?You can’t get around it.Decree of God, the Master.’
14-17. “So, prophesy, son of man!Clap your hands. Get their attention.Tell them that the sword’s coming downonce, twice, three times.It’s a sword to kill,a sword for a massacre,A sword relentless,a sword inescapable—People collapsing right and left,going down like dominoes.I’ve stationed a murderous swordat every gate in the city,Flashing like lightning,brandished murderously.Cut to the right, thrust to the left,murderous, sharp-edged sword!Then I’ll clap my hands,a signal that my anger is spent.I, God, have spoken.”