Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord, Say: A new prophecy begins here in a similar way to the previous two prophecies (see the comments on 20.46-47 and 21.2-3). The Hebrew word rendered Lord is not the name Yahweh; it is the word ʾadonai, which may be translated “Master” or “Boss.” In contrast to the previous two prophecies, God does not say who is to receive this message, but it is acceptable to make this explicit by adding “the people of Jerusalem” (Contemporary English Version) or “the people of Judah.”

A sword, a sword is sharpened and also polished: The theme of a sword of judgment continues here from verse 3. Here the sword is being prepared for use. It is sharpened, that is, “made sharp” (New Century Version), so that it will cut easily. It is also polished, that is, made clean and shiny. In languages where these passive verbs are not natural, translators may say “A sword is sharp and shiny” or “I have sharpened a sword, and also polished it.”

In Hebrew verses 9b-13 are a poem or song, something very typical of the prophets. Translators should try as much as possible to use the forms of poetry of their language, although without changing the message of this poem.

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 .