יחזקאל, פרק כ״א, פסוק י״ח

Faced with the terrifying threat of a destructive sword ready to strike, deep questions arise about the true purpose of this weapon and the necessity of the punishment hovering over the people. The primary approach among commentators is that the sword was drawn, polished, and sharpened primarily to frighten the nation and test them. It serves as a physical representation of the prophets' warnings, urging the people to repent. Yet, this raises a difficult question: what would be the purpose of such a formidable weapon if the people were ultimately spared? If the sword were to hold back from striking the nation, its careful preparation and polishing would have been completely in vain [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. The unavoidable conclusion is that this polished blade will spare no one; it will cut down and consume everything in its path [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

A different perspective shifts the focus away from a foreign army, pointing instead to the internal source of the destruction. The true test reveals that even if the external threat of an invading sword were entirely removed, the nation would still not survive. Their ruin comes from within. By corrupting themselves with continuous sins and bloodshed, the people have created their own internal sword, which will inevitably destroy them even without any outside attack [מלבי״ם].

Looking at the nation's past reveals the futility of their current situation. It is already a proven fact that the people do not genuinely turn away from their evil habits. They have been tested before through severe hardships, such as famine and plague, yet they never permanently changed their ways. Because of this, when the sword finally arrives, the nation will simply cease to exist. Even if they appear to begin repenting and rejecting idol worship, this change will not last, as they will quickly rush back to their wicked behavior [רש״י].

There is also a deep historical irony embedded in this impending disaster, pointing specifically to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. In the past, these tribes looked down upon and mocked the other tribes of Israel who were sent into exile for the sin of idol worship. Now, however, they have committed the exact same offenses. As a result, they will suffer from the very same sword, endure their own exile, and fail to survive [רש״י].