5:1 son of man See note on Ezek 2:1.

a sword, sharp A sword in the ancient Near East could range from 18 inches to 3 feet long, much larger than the shorter blade typically used for shaving. The sword underscores the symbolism of judgment by military defeat.

a barber’s razor Shaving was not a typical practice among the Israelites and was a sign of mourning (Jer 7:29) or purification (Num 8:7; Lev 14:9). Forced shaving of the hair and beard was a means of humiliating one’s enemies (see Isa 7:20 and note).

a set of scales for weighing Ezekiel must weigh his hair and divide it precisely into thirds. This act has parallels in Babylonian magical texts where hair was to be weighed on scales.

5:2 A third you must burn Division into thirds is imagery used for destruction or salvation in Zech 13:8–9. The symbolic actions mimic the retributions promised for iniquity and rebellion in the book of Leviticus. Burning is the punishment prescribed for certain sexual offenses in Lev 20:14 and Ezek 21:9.

you must strike it with the sword Destruction by sword is promised in Lev 26:25.

you must scatter to the wind Punishment by scattering is promised in Lev 26:33.

I will draw a sword behind them Echoes Lev 26:33, where Yahweh warned Israel that He would scatter them and unsheathe the sword after them if they disobeyed.

5:3 a few in number A small amount of hair is kept back, representing preservation of a remnant. Large-scale judgment in the ot is often accompanied by the selection and protection of a small group. See note on Isa 1:9.

5:4 you must throw them in the middle of the fire Even the remnant is subject to further punishment (compare Lev 26:36).

5:5 This is Jerusalem Yahweh explains that Ezekiel’s actions refer to impending judgment of Jerusalem; He goes on to describe the justification for it.

5:6 the point of wickedness more than the nations Ezekiel typically presents Israel as more rebellious and wicked than Gentile nations (see Ezek 16:47–48). The rationale for this comparison is likely based on Israel’s accountability to Yahweh because of the covenant.

they rejected my regulations Exactly what they were warned against in Lev 26:14–15.

5:9 your detestable things The Hebrew term refers to anything that might be found culturally or socially offensive (see note on Exod 8:26). In context, the term applies to sacrilegious offenses, especially anything that offends Yahweh’s sense of purity or holiness.

5:10 parents will eat children Cannibalism was one of the covenant curses in both Leviticus and Deuteronomy (see Lev 26:29; Deut 28:53). A long siege could result in food shortages, leading desperate people to resort to cannibalism (see 2 Kgs 6:28–29).

5:11 you have defiled my sanctuary Ezekiel will see exactly how the temple was defiled in Ezek 8–10. The Hebrew word used here, tame, meaning “defiled,” generally refers to a state of ceremonial uncleanness. Israel’s idolatry had polluted Yahweh’s temple.

your vile idols The Hebrew term here is a synonym for the term meaning “abomination,” and refers more specifically to abhorrent religious practices (see note on Ezek 5:9).

your detestable things See note on Ezek 5:9.

I will show no compassion The time for mercy has passed, and Israel’s sin has made judgment inevitable. Ezekiel uses this idiom six times in chs. 5–9, where he lays out the indictment against Israel for idolatry. The refrain is unique to Ezekiel’s rhetoric.

5:12 will die because of the plague The Hebrew word used here, dever (“pestilence”), is one of the punishments promised in Lev 26 for breaking the covenant (see Lev 26:25).

5:13 my rage Echoes Lev 26:28.

they will know that I, Yahweh Yahweh’s deeds reveal Him as the true God. This phrasing announcing how people will come to recognize Yahweh through His deeds is called the “recognition formula.” It is often used in contexts where God intentionally acts to prove His power to His people or the surrounding nations (compare Exod 16:12; 1 Kgs 20:13).

5:16 the supply of food See Ezek 4:16 and note. The phrase is also another allusion to Lev 26 (see Lev 26:26).

5:17 fierce animals Yahweh promises to punish Israel by sending wild beasts to bereave them of children (Lev 26:22).