For thus says the Lord GOD: The Hebrew particle ki rendered For probably gives emphasis to the important words that follow, so it is better translated “Indeed.” For the traditional prophetic formula thus says the Lord GOD, see verse 22.

Bring up a host against them: Since this command is not addressed to anyone, it may be translated either as a general impersonal construction (for example, “Let an army gather together and attack them”) or with God as the subject (for example, “I will gather an army to attack them”). It is best to include God as the agent. The Hebrew word for host refers to a group of people that have gathered together (see 16.40). Some translate it as “mob” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New International Version, New Century Version, Revised English Bible), which gives the impression of an unruly rabble of people. Here it is better to say “army” (New Living Translation). Against them means the army will attack Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem).

And make them an object of terror and a spoil: Make them an object of terror means the attacking army will make the sisters tremble and shake with fear. Good models for this clause are “terrorize them” (Good News Translation) and “Make them tremble in fear” (Parole de Vie). Make them … a spoil means the army will steal and take away everything they have. Good News Translation has simply “rob them.” Translators may also say “take from them all their possessions.” For the Hebrew word rendered spoil, see the comments on 7.21, where it is translated “prey.”

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 .