I have set the point of the sword against all their gates,
&c.] The word rendered "point" is nowhere else used, and is differently translated: by some the "fear" of the sword F26, as Menachem and Kimchi; by others the "cry" of the sword, or of those that are slain with it, as Jarchi; and the Targum paraphrases it,
``those that slay with the sword:''some, as both Jarchi and Kimchi, observe, by an inversion of the letters of the alphabet, called "athbash", render it, the "slaughter" of the sword; and De Dieu and Dr. Castel, from the use of the word in the Ethiopic language, the "destruction" of it, or, the power of it. The meaning is, that the enemy, with their swords drawn, should be placed at every gate of the city of Jerusalem, or of their houses, pointed towards them; which would be very terrible, and sore destruction to them. That their hearts may faint;
``woe! the sword is drawn out to kill.''It is wrapped up for slaughter;
``it is sharpened to destroy;''the more easily and speedily.