21 Then Yahweh gave me another message: 2 “Son of humanity, look towards Yerushalem (Jerusalem), and speak against the sacred places and prophesy against Yisrael (Israel). 3 Tell Yisrael that Yahweh says this: Listen, I’m against you. I’ll draw my sword from its sheath to kill both the righteous and the wicked among you. 4 Yes, in order for me to eliminate both the righteous and the wicked from you, my sword will go out from its sheath against everyone from the south to the north, 5 then everyone will know that I, Yahweh, have drawn my sword from its sheath. It will no longer hold back.’

6 As for you, son of humanity, groan as if your pelvis has cracked. Groan bitterly in front of them. 7 That’ll get the people asking you, ‘What are you groaning about?’ Then you’ll tell them, ‘Because of the news that’s coming, because every stomach will go tense and every hand will tremble. Breathing will become difficult, and every knee will turn to jelly. Listen, it’s coming, and that’s what it’ll be like. That’s the master Yahweh’s declaration.’ ”

8 Then Yahweh gave me another message: 9 “Son of humanity, prophesy and tell them that the master says this:

“A sword! A sword!

It will be sharpened and polished.

10 It will be sharpened in order to engage in great slaughter!

≈ It will be polished in order to be like lightning!

Should we rejoice in my son’s scepter?

The coming sword hates every such rod.

11 So the sword will be given to be polished,

and then to be grasped by the hand.

The sword is sharpened and polished

and will be handed to the one who kills!” ’ ”

12 Call for help and wail, son of humanity,

because that sword has come against my people.

It’s against all of Yisrael’s (Israel’s) leaders—

they’re thrown against the sword along with my people.

Therefore, hammer your fists against the wall,

13 because testing will come,

but what if the scepter doesn’t last?

That’s the master Yahweh’s declaration.

14 Now, son of humanity, prophesy and clap your two hands together loudly,

because the sword will attack even a third time.

A sword for the ones to be slaughtered.

≈ It’s a sword for the many to be slaughtered,

piercing them wherever they run.

15 In order to melt their hearts and to multiply their fallen,

I’ve placed the sword for slaughter at all their gates.

Ah, it flashes like lightning.

It’s held tightly for slaughter.

16 You, sword, strike to the right.

Strike to the left.

Go in whichever direction you’re facing,

17 because I will also clap my two hands together,

and then I’ll cease my fury.

I, Yahweh, declare it.”