12 “Son of man, cry out and wail;pound your thighs in anguish,for that sword will slaughter my people and their leaders—everyone will die!
13 It will put them all to the test.What chance do they have?says the Sovereign lord.
14 “Son of man, prophesy to themand clap your hands.Then take the sword and brandish it twice,even three times,to symbolize the great massacre,the great massacre facing them on every side.
15 Let their hearts melt with terror,for the sword glitters at every gate.It flashes like lightningand is polished for slaughter!
16 O sword, slash to the right,then slash to the left,wherever you will,wherever you want.
17 I, too, will clap my hands,and I will satisfy my fury.I, the lord, have spoken!”
18 Then this message came to me from the lord: