Ezekiel 5:2
Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.
Ezekiel 5:2 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel describes a prophecy of destruction and judgment upon the sinful city of Jerusalem. The imagery of burning, smiting, and scattering symbolizes the severity of the punishment that will be inflicted upon the people of the city. The burning with fire represents the destruction that will come upon a third of the city during the siege. The smiting with a knife symbolizes the violent death that will come to another third of the inhabitants. The scattering in the wind represents the dispersal of the remaining third of the city's population. The drawing out of a sword signifies the continuation of God's judgment upon those who try to escape their fate. Overall, this verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance in order to avoid the wrath of God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the concept of divine judgment is vividly portrayed through the metaphor of a city under siege. The use of fire, knife, and wind symbolize different aspects of punishment and dispersal. The burning with fire represents a consuming judgment, while the smiting with a knife suggests a violent and decisive action. The scattering in the wind signifies a complete and thorough dispersion of those who have been judged. The imagery of the sword being drawn out after them evokes a sense of inevitable retribution following the actions taken. The theological interpretation of this verse could be seen as a warning against disobedience and the consequences that follow. It serves as a reminder of God's justice and the importance of living in obedience to His commands, for those who defy Him will face His judgment.
Ezekiel 5:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
A third part shalt thou burn in the fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled; and thou shalt take a third part, and smite with the sword round about it; and a third part thou shalt scatter to the wind, and I will draw out a sword after them.
World English Bible
A third part you shall burn in the fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled; and you shall take a third part, and strike with the sword around it; and a third part you shall scatter to the wind, and I will draw out a sword after them.
Douay-Rheims
A third part thou shalt burn with fire in the midst of the city, according to the fulfilling of the days of the siege: and thou shalt take a third part, and cut it in pieces with the knife all round about: and the other third part thou shalt scatter in the wind, and I will draw out the sword after them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou shalt burne with fire the thirde part in the middes of the citie, when the dayes of the siege are fulfilled, and thou shalt take the other thirde part, and smite about it with a knife, and the last thirde part thou shalt scatter in the winde, and I will drawe out a sworde after them.