14 “So then, son of man, prophesy
    and strike your hands(A) together.
Let the sword strike twice,
    even three times.
It is a sword for slaughter—
    a sword for great slaughter,
    closing in on them from every side.(B)
15 So that hearts may melt with fear(C)
    and the fallen be many,
I have stationed the sword for slaughter[a]
    at all their gates.
Look! It is forged to strike like lightning,
    it is grasped for slaughter.(D)
16 Slash to the right, you sword,
    then to the left,
    wherever your blade is turned.
17 I too will strike my hands(E) together,
    and my wrath(F) will subside.
I the Lord have spoken.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. Ezekiel 21:15 Septuagint; the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.

14 Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together. and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

16 Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.

17 I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I the Lord have said it.

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