Ezekiel 21:1-17
International Children’s Bible
Babylon, the Lord’s Sword
21 Then the Lord spoke his word to me. He said: 2 “Human being, look toward Jerusalem and speak against their holy place. Prophesy against the land of Israel. 3 Say to Israel: ‘This is what the Lord says: I am against you. I will pull my sword out of its holder. I will separate you from both wicked people and those who do right. 4 I am going to separate the wicked and those who do right. So my sword will come out from its holder. And it will come against all people from south to north. 5 Then all people will know that I, the Lord, have pulled my sword out from its holder. My sword will not go back in again.’
6 “So, human being, groan with breaking heart and great sadness. Make these sad sounds in front of the people. 7 They will ask you, ‘Why do you make these sad sounds?’ Then you will say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear. All hands will become weak. Everyone will be afraid. All knees will become weak as water. Look, it is coming. It will happen, says the Lord God.’”
8 The Lord spoke his word to me. He said, 9 “Human being, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says:
A sword, a sword,
made sharp and polished.
10 It is made sharp for the killing.
It is polished to flash like lightning.
“‘You are not happy about this horrible punishment by the sword. But my son, Judah, you did not change when you were only beaten with a rod.
11 The sword should be polished.
The sword is meant to be held in the hand.
It is made sharp and polished.
It is made ready for the hand of the killer.
12 Shout and yell, human being.
This is because the sword is against my people.
It is against all the rulers of Israel.
They will be killed by the sword,
along with my people.
So beat your chest in sadness.
13 “‘The test will come. And Judah, who is hated by the armies of Babylon, will not last, says the Lord God.’
14 “So, human being, prophesy.
And clap your hands.
Let the sword hit
two or three times.
It is the sword for killing.
It is the sword for much killing.
This sword surrounds the people.
15 Their hearts will melt with fear.
And many people will die.
I have placed the killing sword
at all their gates.
Oh! The sword is made to flash like lightning.
It is held, ready for killing.
16 Sword, cut on the right side.
Then cut on the left side.
Cut anywhere your blade is turned.
17 I will also clap my hands.
Then my anger will rest.
I, the Lord, have spoken.”
The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
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