Ezekiel 5:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the fathers {H1} shall eat {H398} the sons {H1121} in the midst {H8432} of thee, and the sons {H1121} shall eat {H398} their fathers {H1}; and I will execute {H6213} judgments {H8201} in thee, and the whole remnant {H7611} of thee will I scatter {H2219} into all the winds {H7307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Parents among you will eat their children, and children will eat their parents! I will execute judgments among you and scatter to all the winds those of you who remain.

Berean Standard Bible

As a result, fathers among you will eat their sons, and sons will eat their fathers. I will execute judgments against you and scatter all your remnant to every wind.’

American Standard Version

Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers; and I will execute judgments on thee; and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter unto all the winds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:10 delivers a chilling prophecy of extreme divine judgment upon Jerusalem, detailing the horrific consequences of its profound unfaithfulness and idolatry. This verse foretells unimaginable suffering, including acts of cannibalism born of desperate famine within the besieged city, and the complete, widespread dispersion of any surviving remnant into exile. It underscores the severity of God's righteous wrath against a people who had repeatedly defiled His sanctuary and rejected His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5:10 is embedded within a powerful prophetic enactment and message found in [Ezekiel chapter 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Judgment of Jerusalem"). The chapter opens with God commanding Ezekiel to shave his hair and beard, dividing it into three parts. This symbolic act visually represents the fate of Jerusalem's inhabitants: one-third of the hair was to be burned, symbolizing death by plague and famine; one-third struck with a sword, representing death by warfare; and one-third scattered to the winds, with only a few strands bound in Ezekiel's garment as a small, preserved remnant. Verse 10 specifically elaborates on the dire consequences of the famine and the thorough scattering, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the judgment due to Jerusalem's extreme defilement of God's sanctuary (as noted in [Ezekiel 5:11](/ezekiel/5-11 "Ezekiel 5:11 - God's Indignation Against Jerusalem")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 5:10 directly addresses the impending Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which culminated in the city's destruction in 586 BC. The mention of cannibalism, though horrific, was a historically attested and dreadful reality during prolonged sieges in the ancient Near East when food supplies were utterly exhausted. This specific curse was a well-known consequence of covenant disobedience, explicitly warned about in the Mosaic Law in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Curses for Disobedience"). The tragic fulfillment of such prophecies is vividly recounted in the book of [Lamentations, particularly Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - The Desolation of Jerusalem"), which describes compassionate women eating their own children during the siege. The "scattering into all the winds" reflects the common practice of conquering empires to deport vanquished populations to prevent future rebellion, a fate that befell the survivors of Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Severe Divine Judgment**, underscoring God's absolute holiness and His righteous wrath against persistent sin and covenant infidelity. The judgments described are not arbitrary but are a direct, proportional response to Jerusalem's profound idolatry and defilement of God's name and sanctuary, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel chapter 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Judgment of Jerusalem"). Secondly, the verse vividly portrays the **Horrific Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating how rebellion against God leads to the complete breakdown of societal order and human dignity, culminating in acts as depraved as cannibalism. This imagery serves as a stark warning. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Scattering and Exile**, a recurring motif in the prophetic books, where disobedience to God's covenant results in the loss of the promised land and dispersion among the nations, fulfilling ancient warnings found in texts like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eat (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root signifies consuming food, but here it is used in a horrifying, literal sense to describe cannibalism. The term emphasizes the extreme desperation and degradation brought about by the famine, where basic human taboos are shattered in the struggle for survival. It underscores the severity of the judgment, as the act of "eating" here is not for sustenance in a normal sense but a grotesque perversion of it.
* **execute (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb, meaning "to do or make," in this context denotes God's active performance and accomplishment of His judgments. It highlights God's sovereign agency and intentionality in bringing about these consequences. The judgments are not random occurrences but are divinely ordained and meticulously carried out by God as a fulfillment of His righteous decrees against sin.
* **scatter (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** This root means "to toss about, diffuse, or winnow." Here, it vividly describes the complete and widespread dispersion of the surviving remnant. Like chaff tossed to the wind, they will be spread out in every direction, signifying a total loss of national cohesion, security, and identity. This term emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the exile, leaving no corner untouched by the divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers":** This clause presents the most shocking and visceral image of the verse: cannibalism. It signifies the absolute nadir of human suffering and moral collapse during the siege. The reciprocal nature ("fathers shall eat sons, and sons shall eat fathers") underscores the complete breakdown of familial bonds, societal order, and natural human affection, driven by the extreme desperation of starvation. It is a direct fulfillment of the curses threatened in the Mosaic covenant for severe disobedience.
* **"and I will execute judgments in thee":** This declaration asserts divine agency and purpose behind the suffering. The "judgments" (Hebrew: _shepheṭ_) are not random calamities but God's righteous decrees and punishments for Jerusalem's persistent sin. This phrase emphasizes that God Himself is actively bringing about these consequences, demonstrating His justice and holiness in response to the city's rebellion and defilement of His sanctuary.
* **"and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds":** This final clause describes the fate of those who survive the initial horrors. The "remnant" is not spared from judgment but faces a different form of it: complete dispersion. "Into all the winds" is a powerful idiom signifying total and widespread scattering, leaving no place untouched by the exile. It means the survivors will be dispersed globally, losing their homeland and national identity, fulfilling the covenant curses of exile.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its terrifying message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the shocking imagery of cannibalism, which, while historically attested in extreme sieges, serves as an exaggerated, almost unbelievable depiction of desperation to underscore the severity of the famine and divine judgment. This extreme imagery also functions as **Symbolism**, representing the ultimate degradation and moral collapse resulting from Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. The phrase "scatter into all the winds" is a vivid **Metaphor** for total dispersion and loss of cohesion, likening the people to dust or chaff blown in every direction. The repeated structure "fathers shall eat the sons... and the sons shall eat their fathers" exemplifies **Chiasmus** or **Antimetabole**, creating a symmetrical, unsettling emphasis on the reciprocal nature of the horror and the complete breakdown of familial and societal norms. Finally, the declaration "I will execute judgments" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (execution of judgment) to God, emphasizing His active and intentional role in bringing about these catastrophic events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:10 stands as a stark testament to the immutable holiness and justice of God. It reveals that God's covenant with Israel, while gracious, also contained severe stipulations for disobedience, demonstrating that His love does not negate His righteous wrath against sin. The horrific nature of the judgment underscores the profound seriousness of Israel's idolatry and defilement of His sanctuary, illustrating that persistent rebellion against a holy God inevitably leads to devastating consequences. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not to be trifled with; His warnings are real, and His judgments are just, ultimately aimed at vindicating His name and demonstrating His supreme authority over creation and covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "The Curse of Cannibalism")
* [Leviticus 26:29](/leviticus/26-29 "Warning of Extreme Famine")
* [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Fulfillment of Cannibalism in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:10, though describing a specific historical judgment on ancient Jerusalem, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a sober reminder of the gravity of sin and the ultimate consequences of turning away from God's commands and defiling His presence in our lives. While we do not anticipate literal cannibalism as a direct consequence of personal sin, the spiritual principle remains: persistent rebellion against God leads to a profound breakdown in our relationship with Him, resulting in spiritual famine, brokenness, and a scattering from His blessings and peace. This verse calls us to a deep reverence for God's holiness and a serious consideration of His warnings. It compels us to examine our own hearts for any form of idolatry, compromise, or defilement that might hinder our walk with Him. Ultimately, it drives us to repentance, humility, and a renewed commitment to living in obedience and faithfulness, understanding that God's justice is as real as His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the extreme nature of the judgment in Ezekiel 5:10 challenge my understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might "spiritual famine" or "scattering" manifest in my life today if I were to persistently neglect God's commands or allow idolatry to take root?**
* **What specific areas of my life might need repentance and a renewed commitment to obedience in light of the seriousness of sin depicted here?**
* **How can understanding God's righteous judgment deepen my appreciation for His mercy and the salvation offered in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Was the cannibalism mentioned in Ezekiel 5:10 a literal event or merely symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery is incredibly stark, the prophecy of cannibalism in Ezekiel 5:10 was indeed a literal and tragic historical reality during prolonged sieges in the ancient Near East. This horrific act was a desperate measure taken when all other food sources were exhausted. The Mosaic Law itself warned of this curse for severe disobedience in [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Curses for Disobedience"), and its fulfillment during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem is tragically recounted in [Lamentations 4:10](/lamentations/4-10 "Lamentations 4:10 - The Suffering in Jerusalem"), which describes mothers eating their own children. Thus, Ezekiel's prophecy, while serving a symbolic purpose of extreme judgment, also accurately foretold a literal, historical horror.

**Why would a loving God allow such horrific judgments as described in Ezekiel 5:10?**

Answer: The judgments in Ezekiel 5:10, though horrific, are presented as a righteous and necessary consequence of Jerusalem's persistent and profound unfaithfulness, idolatry, and defilement of God's sanctuary. God is not only loving but also holy and just. His covenant with Israel included both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, designed to impress upon His people the seriousness of sin and the importance of His holiness. These judgments, therefore, are an expression of divine justice, demonstrating that God cannot tolerate unrepentant sin within His covenant people. They serve to vindicate His holy name and ultimately aimed to bring about repentance or, failing that, to remove the defilement from His presence. Understanding God's character requires acknowledging both His love and His uncompromising justice, as seen throughout the biblical narrative from [Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis - The Book of Beginnings") to [Revelation](/revelation/1 "Revelation - The Book of Revelation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 5:10, with its graphic depiction of divine judgment and the scattering of a rebellious people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The horrific judgments detailed here, particularly the "execution of judgments" and the "scattering," foreshadow the ultimate judgment for sin that humanity justly deserves. However, in God's perfect plan, this judgment was fully absorbed and satisfied by Christ on the cross. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the curse and wrath that we, like unfaithful Jerusalem, would otherwise face (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ offers an escape from the "judgments" of God for those who believe, providing a path to reconciliation and peace (cf. [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). Furthermore, the "scattering into all the winds" of Israel, a consequence of their unfaithfulness, is paradoxically reversed and transformed in Christ. He gathers a new people, not just from one nation but from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (cf. [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed from Every Nation")), forming the Church, His unified body. In Him, the scattered are brought near, and the broken are made whole, fulfilling God's ultimate redemptive purpose to gather all things in Christ (cf. [Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - The Summing Up of All Things in Christ")). Thus, the terrifying judgment of Ezekiel 5:10 ultimately magnifies the profound mercy and redemptive power found in Jesus, our deliverer from wrath and our gatherer into a new covenant community.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 2:6

¶ Ho, ho, [come forth], and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

Leviticus 26:29

And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.

Jeremiah 19:9

And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

Ezekiel 12:14

And I will scatter toward every wind all that [are] about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

Ezekiel 36:19

And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.

Ezekiel 5:2

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.