And I will scatter toward every wind all who are round about him, his helpers and all his troops: God threatens to scatter King Zedekiah’s officials and guards to many different countries (see 2 Kgs 25.5). For toward every wind, that is, “in every direction” (Good News Translation), see 5.10. All who are round about him, his helpers and all his troops probably refers to the officials and soldiers who served the king, that is, those who tried to escape from Jerusalem with him (see 2 Kgs 25.4), but it may also include all the people living in Jerusalem. This sentence may be rendered “I will scatter to the four winds all his officials [or, advisers] and guards who serve him.”

And I will unsheathe the sword after them means God will send their enemies to pursue and kill them. See the comments on 5.2. This clause may be rendered “and I will chase them with a sword [or, weapon]” or “and I will chase after them to kill them.” Since God is not the one who will actually do the killing, Good News Translation has “and people will search for them to kill them,” which is a good model.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .