4 Yes, I will cut off both the righteous and the wicked! I will draw my sword against everyone in the land from south to north.
5 Everyone in the world will know that I am the lord. My sword is in my hand, and it will not return to its sheath until its work is finished.’
6 “Son of man, groan before the people! Groan before them with bitter anguish and a broken heart.
7 When they ask why you are groaning, tell them, ‘I groan because of the terrifying news I have heard. When it comes true, the boldest heart will melt with fear; all strength will disappear. Every spirit will faint; strong knees will become as weak as water. And the Sovereign lord says: It is coming! It’s on its way!’”
8 Then the lord said to me,
9 “Son of man, give the people this message from the Lord:“A sword, a swordis being sharpened and polished.
10 It is sharpened for terrible slaughterand polished to flash like lightning!Now will you laugh?Those far stronger than you have fallen beneath its power!