Revised Literal Translation

Ezekiel 21:9-17

9Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith Yhwh; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished:

10It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree.1

11And he hath given it to be furbished, that it may be handled: this sword is sharpened, and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer.

12Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.2

13Because it is a trial, and what if the sword contemn even the rod? it shall be no more, saith the Lord Yhwh.3

14Thou 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.4

15I 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.5 6

16Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.7

17I will also smite mine hands together, and I will cause my fury to rest: I Yhwh have said it.

Read all of Ezekiel 21

Notes

1. Ezekiel 21:10 it contemneth…: or, it is the rod of my son, it despiseth every tree. ↩
2. Ezekiel 21:12 terrors…: or, they are thrust down to the sword with my people. ↩
3. Ezekiel 21:13 Because…: or, When the trial hath been, what then? shall they not also belong to the despising rod? ↩
4. Ezekiel 21:14 hands…: Heb. hand to hand. ↩
5. Ezekiel 21:15 point: or, glittering, or, fear. ↩
6. Ezekiel 21:15 wrapped up: or, sharpened. ↩
7. Ezekiel 21:16 or on…: Heb. set thyself, take the left hand. ↩

Notes

Commentaries on Ezekiel 21