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,
9 "Son of man, prophesy. Say, 'The Lord says, " ' "A sword! A sword! A sharp and shiny sword is coming from Babylonia!
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."