8 Again the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 9 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord.’ Say,
‘aA sword, a sword sharpened
And also polished!
10 Sharpened to make a aslaughter,
Polished to flash like lightning!’
Or shall we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword bdespises every tree. 11 It is given to be polished, that it may be seized by the hand; the sword is sharpened and polished, to give it into the hand of the one who kills. 12 aCry out and wail, son of man; for it is against My people; it is against all the bprinces of Israel. They are delivered over to the sword with My people; therefore slap your thigh. 13 For there is a testing; and what if even the scepter which the sword despises will be no more?” declares Lord Yahweh.
14 “You therefore, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together; and let the sword be adoubled the third time, the sword for the slain. It is the sword for the great one slain, which surrounds them, 15 that their ahearts may melt, and many will be bstumbling blocks at all their cgates. I have given the glittering sword. Ah! It is made for striking like lightning, it is wrapped up in readiness for slaughter. 16 Show yourself sharp, go to the right; set yourself; go to the left, wherever your edge is appointed. 17 And I will also strike My hands together, and I will acause My wrath to be at rest; I, Yahweh, have spoken.”