Ezekiel 21:4
Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:
The drawing of the sword from its sheath against all comes when men pass the boundary and limit of grace and exhaust divine forbearance, and then the command goes forth for the Lord's sword to be unsheathed. It does not fall at random, but as a deliberate judicial act after long-suffering has reached its end. No further probation remains once that line is crossed, for forbearance itself has been worn out.
That stroke falls in the midst of mirth and feasting and forgetfulness of God, interrupting human security with divine reckoning. Its purpose is to put an end to the insolence and disobedience of men and to make the world see that He is God. It is the answer to the prayers of God's people for Him to work because His law has been made void, His interference when transgression can no longer be tolerated in order to repress the overflowing tide of iniquity.