2 “Human, look toward Jerusalem and speak against the holy place. Prophesy against the land of Israel.
3 Say to Israel: ‘This is what the Lord says: I am against you. I will pull my sword out of its holder, and I will cut off from you both the wicked and those who do right.
4 Because I am going to cut off the wicked and those who do right, my sword will come out from its holder and attack all people from south to north.
5 Then all people will know that I, the Lord, have pulled my sword out from its holder. My sword will not go back in again.’
6 “So, human, groan with breaking heart and great sadness. Groan in front of the people.
7 When they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you will say, ‘Because of what I have heard is going to happen. When it happens, every heart will melt with fear, and all hands will become weak. Everyone will be afraid; all knees will become weak as water. Look, it is coming, and it will happen, says the Lord God.’ ”
8 The Lord spoke his word to me, saying: