Passing over the symbolic action of vv. 11‐13, representing the horror and astonishment with which the dire tidings of Jerusalem’s fall will be received, we come to the point where the prophet breaks into the wild strain of dithyrambic poetry, which has been called the “Song of the Sword” (vv. 14‐22). The following translation, although necessarily imperfect and in some places uncertain, may convey some idea both of the structure and the rugged vigour of the original. It will be seen that there is a clear division into four stanzas:(49)— (i) Vv. 14‐16. A sword, a sword! It is sharpened and burnished withal. For a work of slaughter is it sharpened! To gleam like lightning burnished! ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ And ’twas given to be smoothed for the grip of the hand, —Sharpened is it, and furbished— To put in the hand of the slayer. (ii) Vv. 17, 18. Cry and howl, son of man! For it has come among my people; Come among all the princes of Israel! Victims of the sword are they, they and my people; Therefore smite upon thy thigh! ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ It shall not be, saith Jehovah the Lord. (iii) Vv. 19, 20. But, thou son of man, prophesy, and smite hand on hand; Let the sword be doubled and tripled (?). A sword of the slain is it, the great sword of the slain whirling around them,— That hearts may fail, and many be the fallen in all their gates. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ It is made like lightning, furbished for slaughter! (iv) Vv. 21, 22. Gather thee together! Smite to the right, to the left, Whithersoever thine edge is appointed! And I also will smite hand on hand, And appease My wrath: I Jehovah have spoken it.