21:13 I will destroy Jerusalem the same way I did Samaria19 and the dynasty of Ahab.20 I will wipe Jerusalem clean, just as one wipes a plate on both sides.21
tnHeb “I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria, and the plumb line of the house of Ahab.” The measuring line and plumb line are normally used in building a structure, not tearing it down. But here they are used ironically as metaphors of judgment, emphasizing that he will give careful attention to the task of judgment.
21
tnHeb “just as one wipes a plate, wiping and turning [it] on its face.” The word picture emphasizes how thoroughly the Lord will judge the city.