13 “‘Testing will surely come. And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign Lord.’

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)

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Footnotes

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

13 Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord God.

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.

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