Ezekiel 5:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt burn {H1197} with fire {H217} a third part {H7992} in the midst {H8432} of the city {H5892}, when the days {H3117} of the siege {H4692} are fulfilled {H4390}: and thou shalt take {H3947} a third part {H7992}, and smite {H5221} about {H5439} it with a knife {H2719}: and a third part {H7992} thou shalt scatter {H2219} in the wind {H7307}; and I will draw out {H7324} a sword {H2719} after {H310} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

A third of it you are to burn in the city when the days of the siege are over. Take another third, and hit it with your sword all around the city. Scatter the last third to the wind, and I will pursue them with drawn sword.

Berean Standard Bible

When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn up a third of the hair inside the city; you are also to take a third and slash it with the sword all around the city; and you are to scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them.

American Standard Version

A third part shalt thou burn in the fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled; and thou shalt take a third part, and smite with the sword round about it; and a third part thou shalt scatter to the wind, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:2 is a vivid and stark prophetic utterance, part of a larger symbolic act commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel, illustrating the comprehensive and devastating judgment awaiting Jerusalem. This verse graphically details the fate of the city's inhabitants, metaphorically represented by Ezekiel's shaved hair, which is divided into three equal parts, each destined for a distinct and severe form of destruction: consumption by fire, death by the sword, and scattering into exile, with divine judgment relentlessly pursuing even those who flee. It underscores the severity of God's wrath against a persistently rebellious people and the inescapable consequences of their covenant disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5:2 is a crucial component of a powerful prophetic drama initiated in [Ezekiel 4](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - The Siege of Jerusalem") and continuing through [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Fate of Jerusalem"). The preceding verse, [Ezekiel 5:1](/ezekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel 5:1 - Ezekiel Shaves His Hair"), commands Ezekiel to shave his hair and beard, dividing the hair into three equal portions. This symbolic act sets the stage for the grim pronouncements of judgment in verse 2, where each portion of hair represents a third of Jerusalem's population and their respective fates. The entire sequence, from the brick depicting Jerusalem to the meager rations and the symbolic hair, serves as a visual sermon, powerfully communicating the impending siege, famine, and destruction that God will bring upon His people for their profound idolatry and rebellion. This dramatic presentation ensures the message of divine judgment is not merely heard but deeply felt and visualized by the exiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 5:2 is set during the Babylonian exile, specifically after the first deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC, but before the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Ezekiel, exiled in Babylon, is communicating God's message to a people who still cling to false hopes that Jerusalem will not fall, believing in its impregnability due to the presence of the Temple. The historical reality of the impending siege by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, with its attendant horrors of famine, disease, and warfare, forms the backdrop for this prophecy. The "siege" (Hebrew: *mâtsôwr*) refers to the prolonged military encirclement that would lead to starvation and ultimately the city's capture. The cultural context includes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings were promised for obedience and curses for disobedience, as outlined in texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Jerusalem's pervasive idolatry, injustice, and spiritual adultery had reached a point where divine judgment was inevitable, fulfilling these ancient covenant warnings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** as a just and necessary consequence of persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. Jerusalem's actions, particularly its idolatry and rejection of God's laws, necessitated this severe divine response, as detailed throughout [Ezekiel 5](/ezekiel/5 "Ezekiel 5 - The Fate of Jerusalem"). Secondly, the division of the population into three distinct groups underscores the **Proportionality and Precision of God's Judgment**. It is not arbitrary but a deliberate and calculated response, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime. Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays the **Modes of Destruction**—fire, sword, and scattering—which were common forms of judgment in the ancient Near East and are frequently mentioned in prophetic literature (e.g., [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - Famine, Sword, and Pestilence")). Finally, even in the midst of such devastation, the verse implicitly affirms **God's Sovereignty**. It is "I will draw out a sword after them," demonstrating that God is not merely a passive observer but the active orchestrator of these events, ensuring the fulfillment of His word and the demonstration of His righteous character, as seen in His control over nations and their destinies in passages like [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Creates Good and Evil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **burn (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** This primitive root (H1197) signifies to kindle or consume, either by fire or by eating. In the context of Ezekiel 5:2, it denotes destruction by fire, symbolizing the literal burning of the city and its inhabitants, as well as the consuming effects of famine and plague that often accompanied sieges. It conveys a sense of complete and annihilating consumption, leaving nothing behind.
* **knife (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "drought," this term (H2719) primarily refers to a cutting instrument, such as a sword, dagger, or other sharp implement, from its destructive effect. In Ezekiel 5:2, while it refers to the razor used in [Ezekiel 5:1](/ezekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel 5:1 - Ezekiel Shaves His Hair"), it here represents the sword of the enemy, signifying violent death in battle or execution within the city. The term emphasizes the precision and deliberate nature of the judgment, as if God Himself is wielding the instrument.
* **scatter (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** This primitive root (H2219) means to toss about, diffuse, or winnow. It implies a forceful dispersion, like chaff scattered by the wind. In this verse, it vividly portrays the exile and forced migration of the survivors, who would be dispersed among foreign nations, losing their homeland and identity. The imagery of "scattering in the wind" emphasizes the helplessness and vulnerability of those cast out, at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled:"** This clause describes the fate of the first third of Jerusalem's population. "Burn with fire" indicates death by famine, plague, or the literal conflagration of the city, which occurred upon its capture. "In the midst of the city" emphasizes that this destruction would happen within Jerusalem itself, during the prolonged and desperate "days of the siege" that would ultimately reach their devastating conclusion. This portion of the population would perish from the direct consequences of the siege, trapped within the city walls.
* **"and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife:"** This second clause details the fate of another third. "Smite about it with a knife" signifies death by the sword, representing those who would fall in battle, be executed by the invaders, or perish from violence within the besieged city. The "knife" is the same razor used in the symbolic act of shaving, reinforcing the idea of a precise, deliberate, and unavoidable divine judgment executed through human instruments. This group represents those who would die by direct violent means.
* **"and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them."** The final clause describes the destiny of the remaining third. "Scatter in the wind" vividly portrays forced exile and dispersion among foreign nations, like chaff blown away. This signifies the survivors who would be deported to Babylon or flee to other lands, losing their homeland and communal identity. The chilling addendum, "and I will draw out a sword after them," emphasizes that even in exile, God's judgment would pursue them, meaning their suffering would not end with their departure from Jerusalem. This highlights the inescapable nature of God's wrath against persistent rebellion, extending even to those who believed they had escaped.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:2 is rich in **Symbolism**, where Ezekiel's hair represents the people of Jerusalem, and his actions (burning, striking, scattering) symbolize their various fates. This forms part of a larger **Prophetic Drama**, where the prophet's body and actions become a living parable for God's message, making the abstract concept of judgment tangible and visceral. The verse employs powerful **Imagery**, evoking vivid and disturbing scenes of fire, violent death by the sword, and helpless dispersion by the wind, designed to shock the audience into understanding the severity and inescapability of the impending judgment. The **Repetition** of "a third part" underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the judgment, ensuring that no segment of the population would be exempt from the consequences of the nation's sin, though their specific suffering might differ. This tripartite division also highlights the precision and deliberateness of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:2 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is both just and holy, and that persistent, unrepentant sin, especially covenant disobedience, inevitably leads to divine judgment. This verse is a stark reminder that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His righteous character and His commitment to upholding His covenant. The comprehensive nature of the judgment—affecting all segments of the population through various means—underscores the depth of Jerusalem's rebellion and the necessity of such a severe divine response. It also highlights God's absolute sovereignty over history and human destiny, as He orchestrates events to fulfill His prophetic word, even through the actions of pagan empires, demonstrating that His purposes will always prevail.

* [Jeremiah 52:13](/jeremiah/52-13 "Burning of Jerusalem")
* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Scattering Among Nations")
* [Lamentations 2:3](/lamentations/2-3 "God's Fierce Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:2 serves as a sobering mirror, reflecting the gravity of sin and the unwavering justice of God. While the immediate context is ancient Israel, the underlying principles are timeless: God is holy, He abhors sin, and He will hold His people accountable. This passage challenges us to consider the seriousness of our own disobedience and the consequences of neglecting God's commands. It calls us to a deep and genuine repentance, recognizing that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite. For believers, it reinforces the importance of living in faithful obedience, not out of fear of judgment, but out of love and reverence for a God who is both just and merciful. It also reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or devastating, working His purposes through them for His ultimate glory and the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of fire, sword, and scattering impact your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might we, in our contemporary context, be prone to the same spiritual complacency or rebellion that afflicted ancient Jerusalem?**
* **How does this passage inform your understanding of the relationship between divine judgment and divine love?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your life is aligned with God's will, in light of the consequences of disobedience described here?**

### FAQ

**Why did God use such graphic and violent imagery in Ezekiel 5:2?**

Answer: God used graphic and violent imagery to convey the absolute certainty and severity of the impending judgment upon Jerusalem. The people of Judah were deeply entrenched in idolatry and rebellion, and previous warnings had gone unheeded. The symbolic actions and vivid descriptions were designed to shock them out of their complacency and impress upon them the dire reality of their situation. This prophetic drama, where Ezekiel's body and actions became a living sermon, was a powerful, unforgettable way to communicate God's unwavering resolve and the inescapable consequences of their sin, leaving no room for doubt about the fate awaiting the city and its inhabitants. It was a divine act of communication aimed at piercing their hardened hearts and demonstrating the seriousness of their covenant breach, as seen throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel").

**Does this verse mean God is cruel or arbitrary in His judgment?**

Answer: No, this verse does not portray God as cruel or arbitrary. Instead, it highlights His justice and holiness. The judgment described in Ezekiel 5:2 is a direct consequence of Jerusalem's persistent and unrepentant sin, particularly its idolatry and rejection of God's covenant laws, as detailed in [Ezekiel 5:6-11](/ezekiel/5-6-11 "Ezekiel 5:6-11 - Jerusalem's Abominations and God's Judgment"). God had repeatedly warned His people through prophets, offering opportunities for repentance. The division into three distinct fates—fire, sword, and scattering—demonstrates that God's judgment is precise and proportionate, not random. It is a righteous response to profound and prolonged rebellion, affirming that God is faithful to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

**How is Ezekiel 5:2 relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the specific judgment on ancient Jerusalem is historical, Ezekiel 5:2 contains timeless truths relevant for believers today. It underscores God's unchanging character: His holiness, His justice, and His abhorrence of sin. It reminds us that God takes sin seriously and that there are consequences for disobedience, even for His people. This passage calls us to a deeper reverence for God, a commitment to genuine repentance, and a life of faithful obedience. It also highlights God's sovereignty over all circumstances, reminding us that He is in control even amidst chaos and suffering, working out His purposes. It serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and a call to live in accordance with the New Covenant's demands for holiness and love, as described in passages like [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 5:2 graphically depicts the judgment of God upon Old Covenant Israel for its sin, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a similar judgment upon believers, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sword" of God's wrath, drawn out against sin, was not ultimately scattered upon humanity, but was fully borne by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross. Jesus became the recipient of the divine judgment that humanity deserved, absorbing the "fire" of God's holiness against sin and being "smitten" by the "sword" of justice, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He was Pierced for Our Transgressions"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ took upon Himself the scattering of sin's consequences, ensuring that those who believe in Him are not scattered in judgment but are gathered into His eternal kingdom. His death and resurrection establish a New Covenant, where the wrath due to sin is satisfied, and believers are offered reconciliation and peace with God, as proclaimed in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Faith"). Thus, Ezekiel 5:2, in its stark portrayal of judgment, ultimately points to the profound mercy and grace found in Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come and gathers us into His eternal embrace, fulfilling the promise of a new and living way to God (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")).

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

Ezekiel 5:12

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.

Leviticus 26:33

And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

Ezekiel 4:1

¶ Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, [even] Jerusalem:

Ezekiel 4:8

And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege.

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

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.

Jeremiah 9:16

I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.