8 The Lord said to me,
9 “Mortal man, prophesy. Tell the people what I, the Lord, am saying:A sword, a sword is sharpened and polished.
10 It is sharpened to kill,polished to flash like lightning.There can be no rejoicing,for my people have disregarded every warning and punishment.
11 The sword is being polished,to make it ready for use.It is sharpened and polished,to be put in the hands of a killer.
12 Howl in grief, mortal man;this sword is meant for my peopleand for all the leaders of Israel.They are going to be killedwith all the rest of my people.Beat your breast in despair!
13 I am testing my people,and if they refuse to repent,all these things will happen to them.
14 “Now, mortal man, prophesy. Clap your hands, and the sword will strike again and again. It is a sword that kills, a sword that terrifies and slaughters.