NSB(i)
4 ‘»I am going to kill the righteous people and the wicked people among you. That is why my sword will come out of its sheath to be used against everyone from the south to the north.
5 ‘»Then everyone will know that I, Jehovah, have taken my sword from its sheath, and I will not put it back again.«’
6 »So, son of man, groan with a breaking heart and with bitter crying while the people watch you.
7 »When they ask why you are groaning tell this: ‘News has come that will discourage everyone. People's hands will hang limp, their hearts will lose courage, and their knees will become as weak as water. It is coming! It will surely take place!’ Declares the Lord Jehovah.«
8 Jehovah continued to speak to Ezekiel:
9 »Son of man, prophecy and say, ‘this is what Jehovah says: »A sword, a sword is sharpened and also polished!
10 ‘»‘It is sharpened to make a slaughter and polished to flash like lightning! Shall we rejoice in the rod of my son despising every tree?’«’«
11 ‘»The sword was given to be polished, that it might be handled. The sword is sharpened and polished, to give it into the hand of the slayer.
12 ‘»Cry out and wail, son of man, for it is against my people; it is against all the officials of Israel. They are delivered over to the sword with my people. Therefore strike your thigh.
13 ‘»For there is testing. And what if even the rod that despises will be no more?« Declares the Lord Jehovah.
14 »You therefore, son of man, prophesy and clap your hands together. Let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword for the slain. It is the sword for the great one slain, which surrounds them,
15 that their hearts may melt (lose their courage), and many fall at all their gates. I have given the glittering sword. Ah! It is made for striking like lightning. It is wrapped up in readiness for slaughter.
16 »Show yourself sharp, go to the right, set yourself, go to the left, wherever your edge is appointed.
17 »Clap your hands and I will bring my anger to rest. Jehovah has spoken.«