Ezekiel 21:8-24

The LORD spoke his word to me, saying: “Human, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: A sword, a sword, made sharp and polished. 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. 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. 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. “ ‘The test will come. And Judah, who is hated by the armies of Babylon, will not last, says the Lord GOD.’ “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. 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. Sword, cut on the right side; then cut on the left side. Cut anywhere your blade is turned. I will also clap my hands and use up my anger. I, the LORD, have spoken.” The LORD spoke his word to me, saying: “Human, mark two roads that the king of Babylon and his sword can follow. Both of these roads will start from the same country. And make signs where the road divides and one way goes toward the city. Mark one sign to show the road he can take with his sword to Rabbah in the land of the Ammonites. Mark the other sign to show the road to Judah and Jerusalem, which is protected with strong walls. The king of Babylon has come to where the road divides, and he is using magic. He throws lots with arrows and asks questions of his family idols. He looks at the liver of a sacrificed animal to learn where he should go. The lot in his right hand tells him to go to Jerusalem. It tells him to use logs to break down the city gates, to shout the battle cry and give the order to kill, and to build a dirt road to the top of the walls and devices to attack the walls. The people of Jerusalem have made agreements with other nations to help them fight Babylon. So they will think this prediction is wrong, but it is really proof of their sin, and they will be captured. “So this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You have shown how sinful you are by turning against the LORD. Your sins are seen in all the things you do. Because of this proof against you, you will be taken captive by the enemy.