Ezekiel 21:1-17
New Century Version
21 Then the Lord spoke his word to me, saying: 2 “Human, look toward Jerusalem and speak against the 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, and I will cut off from you both the wicked and those who do right. 4 Because I am going to cut off the wicked and those who do right, my sword will come out from its holder and attack 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, groan with breaking heart and great sadness. Groan in front of the people. 7 When they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you will say, ‘Because of what I have heard is going to happen. When it happens, every heart will melt with fear, and all hands will become weak. Everyone will be afraid; all knees will become weak as water. Look, it is coming, and it will happen, says the Lord God.’”
8 The Lord spoke his word to me, saying: 9 “Human, 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.
It is meant to be held in the hand.
It is made sharp and polished,
ready for the hand of a killer.
12 Shout and yell, human,
because the sword is meant for my people,
for 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, prophesy
and clap your hands.
Let the sword strike
two or three times.
It is a sword meant for killing,
a sword meant for much killing.
This sword surrounds the people to be killed.
15 Their hearts will melt with fear,
and many people will die.
I have placed the killing sword
at all their city 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
and use up my anger.
I, the Lord, have spoken.”
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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