Yahweh continues the enacted signs of Jerusalem’s judgment. Ezekiel’s shaved hair is divided to portray fire, sword and scattering; a small remnant is preserved, while Jerusalem’s rebellion and defilement bring severe judgment.
Shaving and dividing the hair (Ezekiel 5:1–4)
Ezekiel uses a sharp razor to shave his head and beard, then weighs and divides the hair. One third is burned, one third struck with the sword, and one third scattered to the wind, with a sword pursuing them. A few hairs are kept in the prophet’s garment, though some of these too are cast into fire.
Jerusalem among the nations (Ezekiel 5:5–7)
Jerusalem was set in the midst of nations, yet she rejected Yahweh’s judgments and behaved more wickedly than those around her. Greater privilege brought greater accountability.
Judgment for defiling the sanctuary (Ezekiel 5:8–15)
Because of Jerusalem’s abominations and the defilement of the sanctuary, Yahweh declares judgment before the nations. Pestilence and famine, sword and scattering divide the people. The city becomes a reproach and astonishment, and the judgment makes known that Yahweh has spoken.
Famine, pestilence and sword (Ezekiel 5:16–17)
Famine’s arrows bring scarcity; evil beasts, pestilence, bloodshed and sword pass through the land. The chapter closes with Yahweh’s declaration, “I the LORD have spoken it.”
The chapter’s message
The divided hair portrays humiliation, death and exile, with only a remnant preserved. Jerusalem’s covenant privilege increases her responsibility; judgment vindicates Yahweh’s holiness before the nations.