Verses 1-17

Ezekiel 5:1-4. The sharp knife is the symbol of the king of Babylon. (See Isaiah 7:20.) He was God’s instrument in the execution of His wrath; the people are represented by the hair. The third part of the hair burned with fire pictures the fate of a part of the people during the siege. The pestilence and the famine were also to consume them. Only a few in number, a small remnant, were to be preserved, as indicated when Ezekiel took a few hairs and bound them in his skirt.

Ezekiel 5:5-17. These solemn words should be carefully read. In connection with them there ought to be read Jeremiah’s lamentations, for Jeremiah’s outburst of sorrow shows the literal fulfillment of this message. (See Ezekiel 5:10 and compare with Lamentations 4:10.)