The description of what life will be like on the day of judgment for Israel continues here. No organized military action will be possible.

They have blown the trumpet means they have given the signal to go to battle. The pronoun They refers to the people of Israel. The Hebrew word for trumpet refers to a ram’s horn, which could be blown to call people together for war. It is more important for translators to convey the sense of giving a signal for battle than to be concerned about the actual instrument being used. Some cultures may use a bell, drum, or conch shell instead of a trumpet or “horn” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) in time of war.

And made all ready means they have prepared all the weapons and fighting equipment for battle.

But none goes to battle: No one goes to war, either because there are not enough soldiers left to fight, or because everyone is too afraid.

For my wrath is upon all their multitude gives the real reason why no one goes to war. See the comments on verse 12.

Translators may render this verse as follows:

• The people have heard the trumpet [or, drum/conch shell] that calls them to battle, and they have prepared everything to fight, but no one goes to battle, because my burning anger is against that whole crowd.

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 .