1 And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber’s rasor, and cause [it] to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the [hair].
2 Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.
3 Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.
4 Then take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; [for] thereof shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel.
5 Thus saith the Lord GOD; This [is] Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries [that are] round about her.
6 And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that [are] round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.
7 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye multiplied more than the nations that [are] round about you, [and] have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that [are] round about you;
8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, [am] against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.
9 And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all thine abominations.
10 Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds.
11 Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.
12 A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.
13 Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.
14 Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that [are] round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.
15 So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that [are] round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the LORD have spoken [it].
16 When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for [their] destruction, [and] which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:
17 So will I send upon you famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the LORD have spoken [it].
Summary of Ezekiel Chapter 5
Ezekiel Chapter 5 presents a vivid and symbolic depiction of God’s judgment against Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The chapter serves as a warning to the people of Israel regarding their disobedience and the consequences that follow. Ezekiel, as a prophet, is instructed to perform a series of dramatic actions that illustrate the severity of God’s impending judgment.
Key Themes
- Judgment and Destruction: The chapter emphasizes the theme of divine judgment, highlighting the consequences of Israel’s unfaithfulness.
- Symbolism of the Hair: Ezekiel’s use of his hair serves as a powerful symbol of the people of Jerusalem and their fate.
- Divine Sovereignty: The chapter illustrates God’s control over historical events and His authority to execute judgment.
- Call to Repentance: Implicit in the warnings is a call for the people to turn back to God and away from their sinful ways.
Detailed Analysis
- Prophetic Actions (Verses 1-4):
Ezekiel is commanded to shave his head and beard, using a sword. This act symbolizes the total destruction of the people of Jerusalem. The hair is then divided into three parts, each representing different aspects of judgment:
- The first part is burned in the fire, symbolizing those who will perish in the siege.
- The second part is struck down with the sword, representing those who will die by violence.
- The third part is scattered to the wind, indicating those who will be exiled and lost.
- God’s Anger and Jealousy (Verses 5-7):
The chapter asserts that Jerusalem is the center of God’s attention, being placed in the midst of the nations. However, the people have turned against God and His commandments, provoking His anger. The text highlights the seriousness of their transgressions and the resulting consequences.
- Consequences of Disobedience (Verses 8-10):
God declares that He will act against Jerusalem, and the consequences will be severe. The people will face famine, pestilence, and the sword. The chapter emphasizes that parents will suffer the loss of their children due to the judgment that is to come, underscoring the gravity of their sins.
- Divine Remnant (Verse 11):
Despite the impending judgment, God mentions that a remnant will be saved. This remnant represents hope and the possibility of restoration for the faithful who remain true to God amidst the chaos.
- Finality of Judgment (Verses 12-17):
The chapter concludes with a stark description of the devastation that will come upon the land. God outlines the various forms of suffering that will befall the people, including famine and death. The imagery is graphic, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the ultimate consequences of their disobedience.
Conclusion
Ezekiel Chapter 5 is a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Through vivid imagery and prophetic actions, the chapter conveys a message of warning and judgment, while also hinting at the possibility of redemption for those who remain faithful. The chapter serves as a significant part of Ezekiel’s overall message, calling the people of Israel to recognize their sins and return to God.
