1-5 God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, now face Jerusalem and let the Message roll out against the Sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel. Say, ‘God’s Message: I’m against you. I’m pulling my sword from its sheath and killing both the wicked and the righteous. Because I’m treating everyone the same, good and bad, everyone from south to north is going to feel my sword! Everyone will know that I mean business.’
6 “So, son of man, groan! Double up in pain. Make a scene!
7 “When they ask you, ‘Why all this groaning, this carrying on?’ say, ‘Because of the news that’s coming. It’ll knock the breath out of everyone. Hearts will stop cold, knees turn to rubber. Yes, it’s coming. No stopping it. Decree of God, the Master.’”
8-10 God’s Message to me: “Son of man, prophesy. Tell them, ‘The Master says:“‘A sword! A sword!razor-sharp and polished,Sharpened to kill,polished to flash like lightning!“‘My child, you’ve despised the scepter of Judahby worshiping every tree-idol.
11 “‘The sword is made to glisten,to be held and brandished.It’s sharpened and polished,ready to be brandished by the killer.’
12 “Yell out and wail, son of man.The sword is against my people!The princes of Israeland my people—abandoned to the sword!Wring your hands!Tear out your hair!
13 “‘Testing comes.Why have you despised discipline?You can’t get around it.Decree of God, the Master.’