Ezekiel 5:1

"As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword, use it as a barber's razor, and shave your head and beard. Then take a set of scales and divide the hair.

Study Bible

As for you, son of man
The term "son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the distinction between God and man, highlighting Ezekiel's position as a mediator of divine messages. This title is also used in the New Testament, notably by Jesus, to emphasize His incarnation and role as the Messiah.

take a sharp sword
The use of a sword, rather than a traditional razor, signifies the severity and violence of the coming judgment upon Jerusalem. Swords are often symbolic of divine judgment in the Bible, as seen in passages like Isaiah 34:5-6 and Revelation 19:15. This imagery would resonate with the audience, familiar with the sword as an instrument of war and destruction.

use it as a barber’s razor
Shaving the head and beard was a sign of mourning and humiliation in ancient Near Eastern cultures. For a priest like Ezekiel, who was forbidden to shave his head (Leviticus 21:5), this act would symbolize extreme disgrace and the breaking of covenantal norms. It reflects the depth of Israel's spiritual apostasy and the resulting divine judgment.

and shave your head and beard
This act symbolizes the complete removal of glory and honor, as hair was often associated with strength and dignity (e.g., Samson in Judges 16). The shaving of the head and beard would be a public sign of shame and mourning, indicating the total devastation that would come upon Jerusalem.

Then take a set of scales and divide the hair
The use of scales suggests precision and careful measurement, indicating that the judgment would be exact and just. This imagery connects to the theme of divine justice, as seen in passages like Daniel 5:27, where Belshazzar is weighed and found wanting. The division of hair into parts foreshadows the different fates awaiting the people of Jerusalem, as detailed in the subsequent verses.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his symbolic actions and visions.

2. Son of Man
A title used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people before God.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, where Ezekiel prophesied. It represents a place of judgment and purification for God's people.

4. Jerusalem
The city that is the focus of God's judgment in Ezekiel's prophecies, symbolized by the shaving of Ezekiel's hair.

5. Sword and Scales
Instruments used in the symbolic act. The sword represents judgment, while the scales signify the weighing and division of consequences.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Judgment
Ezekiel's act of shaving his head and beard symbolizes the severe judgment coming upon Jerusalem. It serves as a visual prophecy of the city's impending destruction and the people's humiliation.

Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's obedience in performing this symbolic act demonstrates the prophet's role as a messenger of God's truth, even when the message is difficult or unpopular.

Divine Justice
The use of scales to divide the hair signifies God's precise and fair judgment. It reminds us that God weighs our actions and administers justice accordingly.

Call to Repentance
The drastic nature of Ezekiel's actions serves as a call to repentance for the Israelites. It encourages us to examine our lives and turn back to God before facing His judgment.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Ezekiel's faithfulness in delivering God's message, despite the challenging circumstances, inspires us to remain steadfast in our faith and duties, even when faced with trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of shaving the head and beard symbolize in the context of Ezekiel's prophecy, and how does it relate to the concept of divine judgment?

2. How does Ezekiel's role as "son of man" inform our understanding of his prophetic ministry and its relevance to us today?

3. In what ways does the use of a sword and scales in Ezekiel 5:1 illustrate God's justice, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

4. How can Ezekiel's obedience to God's difficult commands encourage us in our own walk of faith, especially when faced with challenging tasks?

5. Reflecting on the connections to other scriptures, how does the theme of judgment in Ezekiel 5:1 resonate with the broader biblical account of God's justice and mercy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 21:5
Discusses the prohibition for priests to shave their heads, highlighting the significance of Ezekiel's act as a sign of mourning and judgment.

Isaiah 7:20
Refers to God using a razor to shave, symbolizing humiliation and judgment, similar to Ezekiel's symbolic act.

Jeremiah 25:9
Speaks of Babylon as God's instrument of judgment, aligning with the context of Ezekiel's prophecy.