Tyndale Open Study NotesEzekiel 5

These chapters discuss words and actions that warned of disaster for Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4–5) and the land of Judah (Ezekiel 6–7).

The prophet had to perform two more sign acts (symbolic actions that showed God’s message).

First, he took a sharp sword and used it like a razor. He shaved his head and his beard. This action showed the coming destruction described in Ezekiel 4 (compare Isaiah 7:20). In that culture, shaving off a man’s hair showed the loss of honor and strength. It was a public sign of shame (see 2 Samuel 10:4–5).

Second, Ezekiel weighed the hair he had shaved. He divided it into three equal parts. This action showed that God’s judgment would come in three different ways. It also showed that God’s judgment was measured and purposeful.

Ezekiel was to burn one-third of the hair to show those who would die from hunger during the siege. He was to cut another third with a sword to show those who would die violently. He was to scatter the last third to the wind to show those who would go into exile.

Ezekiel was to tie a small amount of hair in his robe to show that a few people would be safe. However, even some of them would die during the exile. Only a few would survive the many disasters about to happen to God's people.

The reason for God’s judgment on his people is very clear. Israel had broken its covenant (the binding promise relationship) with God.

Because of this broken covenant, God brought judgment on them.

The covenant (the binding promise relationship) between God and his people forms the foundation of Ezekiel’s messages.

When Ezekiel listed the charges against the Israelites, he used the same language as the covenant made at Mount Sinai. That covenant was later renewed in the book of Deuteronomy.

The people refused to obey God’s decrees and regulations (his laws and commands). They also worshiped detestable idols (false gods that God hates). These idols defiled the temple of the Lord, which was meant to be holy. By doing this, they broke God’s covenant requirements (see Leviticus 26:1–2, 14–15).

Because they disobeyed the Lord, the covenant curses (the promised punishments for disobedience) would now take effect (see Leviticus 26:16–43; Deuteronomy 28:15–68).

fathers among you will eat their sons: This terrible event would happen during a time of severe famine (a time when there is no food). When people become desperate and have nothing to eat, such suffering can occur (see 2 Kings 6:26–30).

This was also one of the covenant curses (the promised punishments for disobedience). God had warned that this would happen if the people rejected him (see Leviticus 26:29).