Ezekiel tries again with a parable that falls flat. The people dismiss him as just another storyteller, so he says it like it is. The sword is about to fall against Jerusalem. The sword has been polished and sharpoened by god Himself, and given to the hands of the oppressors. The coming destruction is so awful, God Himself is clapping His hands in grief. God so sadly asks His prophet, "do I have a choice?"