Ezekiel 5:3

Context of Ezekiel 5:3

Ezekiel 5:3 is part of a powerful prophetic act performed by the prophet Ezekiel, commanded by God to illustrate the severe judgment coming upon Jerusalem and the people of Judah. In the preceding verses (Ezekiel 5:1-2), Ezekiel is instructed to shave his head and beard, weighing and dividing the hair into three portions. Each portion symbolizes a different fate for the inhabitants: one-third to be burned (representing death by famine and pestilence), one-third to be struck with a sword (representing death by war), and one-third to be scattered to the wind (representing exile and dispersion).

Within this grim prophecy of widespread destruction, verse 3 introduces a crucial element of divine mercy and preservation. It speaks to God's selective judgment, where not all are consumed, but a small portion is set aside.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Remnant: This verse powerfully introduces the biblical concept of a "remnant"—a small portion of God's people whom He preserves through judgment. Even in the face of widespread destruction and unfaithfulness, God maintains a faithful few for His purposes. This theme is echoed throughout the Old Testament, for example, in Isaiah's prophecies and later by Paul in Romans 9:27-29.
• Divine Preservation: The act of taking "a few in number" and binding them "in thy skirts" symbolizes God's personal and secure preservation of this remnant. They are not merely spared by chance but are intentionally protected by divine hand.
• Mercy Amidst Judgment: While the overarching message of Ezekiel 5 is one of severe judgment against Jerusalem's idolatry and rebellion, this verse highlights God's enduring mercy. His wrath is not absolute or indiscriminate; there is always a provision for hope and a future for those He chooses to preserve.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in thy skirts" (KJV) uses the Hebrew word kanaph (כָּנָף), which literally means "wing" or "extremity." While it often refers to the corner or hem of a garment, its broader usage carries significant symbolic weight. It implies protection, refuge, and close proximity, much like a bird gathering its young under its wings (Psalm 91:4) or a person seeking shelter under another's covering (as seen in Ruth 2:12, where Ruth seeks refuge under Boaz's "wing"). This choice of word emphasizes the tender, personal, and secure protection God offers to His chosen remnant, keeping them close and safe from the surrounding turmoil.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 5:3 offers enduring hope and a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, even in the darkest times. For believers today, this verse teaches several important lessons:

• Hope in Adversity: Even when societal decay, moral corruption, or widespread judgment seems inevitable, God always preserves a remnant. This provides comfort and hope that His purposes will prevail through a faithful few.
• God's Precision: God's judgments are not random or chaotic; they are precise and purposeful. Just as He carefully designates a small portion for preservation, so too are His actions against sin measured and just.
• Call to Faithfulness: Understanding the concept of the remnant encourages believers to strive for faithfulness and obedience, knowing that God values and protects those who remain true to Him, even when surrounded by unfaithfulness. We are called to be part of that "peculiar people" set apart for His glory.