Ezekiel 21:9-17

9“Son of man, prophesy. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord says: A sword, a sword is sharpened and polished,

10It’s sharpened to kill and polished to flash like lightning. How can we rejoice? My son has refused to be disciplined or punished.

11The sword has been handed over to be polished, to be placed in the hand. The sword is being sharpened and polished to be placed in the hands of killers.

12“ ‘Cry and mourn, son of man, because the sword will be used against my people and against all the princes of Israel. I will throw the princes and my people on the sword. So beat your breast, and grieve.

13Testing will surely come. What if you refuse to be disciplined again? Won’t you be tested? declares the Almighty Lord.

14So prophesy, son of man. Clap your hands! Let the sword strike again and again. It’s the sword for killing. It’s the sword for killing many people. It’s the sword that surrounds them.

15I have appointed my sword to slaughter people at all their gates so that their hearts will sink and many will die. Yes! It’s ready to flash like lightning. It’s polished to kill.

16Sword, cut to the right. Cut to the left or wherever your blade is turned.

17I will also clap my hands and rest from my fury. I, the Lord, have spoken.’ ”