6 ‘Therefore groan, son of man! Groan before them with broken heart and bitter grief.
7 And when they ask you, “Why are you groaning?” you shall say, “Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every leg will be wet with urine.” It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign Lord.’
8 The word of the Lord came to me:
9 ‘Son of man, prophesy and say, “This is what the Lord says:‘ “A sword, a sword,sharpened and polished –
10 sharpened for the slaughter,polished to flash like lightning!‘ “Shall we rejoice in the sceptre of my royal son? The sword despises every such stick.
11 ‘ “The sword is appointed to be polished,to be grasped with the hand;it is sharpened and polished,made ready for the hand of the slayer.
12 Cry out and wail, son of man,for it is against my people;it is against all the princes of Israel.They are thrown to the swordalong with my people.Therefore beat your breast.