8. The word of the Lord came to me:
9. ‘Son of man, prophesy and say, “This is what the Lord says:‘ “A sword, a sword,sharpened and polished –
10. sharpened for the slaughter,polished to flash like lightning!‘ “Shall we rejoice in the sceptre of my royal son? The sword despises every such stick.
11. ‘ “The sword is appointed to be polished,to be grasped with the hand;it is sharpened and polished,made ready for the hand of the slayer.
12. Cry out and wail, son of man,for it is against my people;it is against all the princes of Israel.They are thrown to the swordalong with my people.Therefore beat your breast.
13. ‘ “Testing will surely come. And what if even the sceptre, which the sword despises, does not continue? declares the Sovereign Lord.”