Ezekiel 21:8-17, 28-32

GOD’s Message to me: “Son of man, prophesy. Tell them, ‘The Master says: “‘A sword! A sword! razor-sharp and polished, Sharpened to kill, polished to flash like lightning! “‘My child, you’ve despised the scepter of Judah by worshiping every tree-idol. “‘The sword is made to glisten, to be held and brandished. It’s sharpened and polished, ready to be brandished by the killer.’ “Yell out and wail, son of man. The sword is against my people! The princes of Israel and my people—abandoned to the sword! Wring your hands! Tear out your hair! “‘Testing comes. Why have you despised discipline? You can’t get around it. Decree of GOD, the Master.’ “So, prophesy, son of man! Clap your hands. Get their attention. Tell them that the sword’s coming down once, twice, three times. It’s a sword to kill, a sword for a massacre, A sword relentless, a sword inescapable— People collapsing right and left, going down like dominoes. I’ve stationed a murderous sword at every gate in the city, Flashing like lightning, brandished murderously. Cut to the right, thrust to the left, murderous, sharp-edged sword! Then I’ll clap my hands, a signal that my anger is spent. I, GOD, have spoken.” * * *

“But, son of man, your job is to prophesy. Tell them, ‘This is the Message from GOD, the Master, against the Ammonites and against their cruel taunts: “‘A sword! A sword! Bared to kill, Sharp as a razor, flashing like lightning. Despite false sword propaganda circulated in Ammon, The sword will sever Ammonite necks, for whom it’s punishment payday. Return the sword to the sheath! I’ll judge you in your home country, in the land where you grew up. I’ll empty out my wrath on you, breathe hot anger down your neck. I’ll give you to vicious men skilled in torture. You’ll end up as stove-wood. Corpses will litter your land. Not so much as a memory will be left of you. I, GOD, have said so.’”