Ezekiel 5:2

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.

Study Bible

When the days of the siege are over
This phrase sets the context for the prophetic action that Ezekiel is to perform. The "days of the siege" refer to the symbolic act that Ezekiel is commanded to carry out, representing the impending siege of Jerusalem by Babylon. Historically, this period is a time of great distress and judgment for the people of Israel. The Hebrew word for "siege" (מָצוֹר, "matsor") conveys the idea of being bound or confined, reflecting the dire situation that Jerusalem would face. This phrase reminds us of God's sovereignty over history and His ability to use even the most challenging circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes.

you are to burn a third of the hair with fire inside the city
The act of burning a third of the hair symbolizes the destruction and devastation that will occur within Jerusalem. Hair, in ancient Near Eastern culture, often represented strength and vitality. By burning it, Ezekiel demonstrates the consuming judgment that God will bring upon the city. The use of fire is significant, as it is frequently associated with purification and judgment in the Bible. This act serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of the people's rebellion against God.

When the days of the siege are over, you are to burn a third of the hair with fire inside the city
This entire phrase emphasizes the completion of a period of judgment and the subsequent execution of God's justice. The prophetic action is not just a warning but a declaration of what is to come. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine retribution. Yet, within this act of judgment, there is also a call to repentance and a reminder of God's desire for His people to return to Him.

Take a third and strike it with the sword all around the city
The sword is a common biblical symbol for war and divine judgment. Striking the hair with the sword represents the violence and death that will occur as a result of the siege. The phrase "all around the city" indicates the totality of the destruction and the inescapable nature of God's judgment. This action serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the inevitable justice that follows.

And scatter a third to the wind
Scattering the hair to the wind symbolizes the dispersion of the people of Jerusalem. Historically, this foreshadows the exile of the Israelites, as they would be scattered among the nations. The wind, often seen as a force beyond human control, represents the divine hand in the scattering. This act highlights the loss of identity and homeland that results from disobedience to God. Yet, it also carries a message of hope, as the scattering is not the end of the story; God promises eventual restoration and return.

For I will draw out a sword after them
This phrase indicates that even in their dispersion, the people will not escape God's judgment. The drawn sword signifies ongoing consequences and the pursuit of divine justice. It serves as a warning that distance from the land does not equate to distance from God's reach. This underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, while also affirming God's relentless pursuit of His people, not for their destruction, but ultimately for their redemption and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

2. Jerusalem
The city under siege, representing the center of Jewish life and worship, which is facing divine judgment due to the people's disobedience.

3. The Siege
A symbolic act commanded by God to Ezekiel, representing the impending destruction and judgment upon Jerusalem.

4. The Hair
Represents the people of Jerusalem, divided into thirds to symbolize different fates for the inhabitants.

5. The Sword
Symbolizes God's judgment and the means by which He will execute His justice upon the people.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The division of the hair and the subsequent actions illustrate the severe consequences of sin and disobedience to God. We must take sin seriously in our own lives and seek repentance.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The passage highlights God's control over the events of history, including judgment. We can trust in His sovereignty even when facing difficult circumstances.

The Call to Repentance
The symbolic acts serve as a warning and a call to repentance. We should examine our lives and turn back to God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's obedience in performing these symbolic acts reminds us of the importance of faithfully delivering God's message, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While the passage focuses on judgment, it also points to the possibility of restoration for those who turn back to God. We can find hope in God's promises of redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the division of the hair into thirds in Ezekiel 5:2 reflect the different outcomes for the people of Jerusalem, and what can this teach us about the consequences of our actions?

2. In what ways does the prophecy in Ezekiel 5:2 connect with the warnings given in Leviticus 26, and how can we apply these lessons to our lives today?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty in judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 5:2, help us trust Him in our own life circumstances?

4. What role does repentance play in the message of Ezekiel 5:2, and how can we incorporate a heart of repentance into our daily walk with God?

5. How can the example of Ezekiel's obedience in delivering God's message encourage us to be faithful in sharing the truth of the Gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences faced by Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 19
Jeremiah's prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem parallels Ezekiel's message, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment.

Revelation 8
The division into thirds in Ezekiel can be connected to the judgments in Revelation, where a third of various elements are affected, symbolizing partial but significant judgment.