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This chapter is one long, loud cry of judgment and destruction by the sword. This is not just any sword, but one readied by God himself, the sword of Babylon. Even a cursory look at the rhythm and repetition expressed in the several parts of the Song of the Sword recited by Ezekiel (note the printed form of the text) shows that Ezekiel must have acted out this song by dancing and clapping.
More moving and more important than drama, however, was Ezekiel’s own personal involvement in the meaning of the poem. What pain he must have suffered when God said, “Cry out and wail, son of man, for it is against my people; it is against all the princes of Israel. . . . Therefore beat your breast” (v.12). It must have been most difficult for Ezekiel to give this terrible song of judgment, especially since it did not include any word of comfort or hope as God’s messages through Ezekiel usually did. Unfortunately, such messages sometimes must be given.