Ezekiel 5

I take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber’s razor. Rather, as R.V., “Take thee a sharp sword; [as] a barber’s razor shalt thou take it.”

upon thine head and upon thy beard. A symbol of calamity and mourning.

5 in the midst of the nations. Palestine, at the centre of the ancient world, with Assyria and Chaldea to the east, Syria and Phœnicia to the north, Egypt and Ethiopia to the south, Arabia to the south-east, and the coastlands of “the Gentiles” to the west, occupied a position fitted for the diffusion of holy influences, had Israel been faithful to its calling; and at the same time especially liable to attack when they were weakened by sin.

6 she hath changed My judgements into wickedness. Or. “She hath wickedly rebelled against My judgements.” She had sinned against God’s commandments.

7 ye multiplied. Rather, as R.V., “ye are turbulent.” The same word is used, Psa. ii. 1, “rage.”

neither have done according to the judgements of the nations. Who had held to their gods, while you have been unfaithful to Jehovah: see Jer. ii. 10, 11.

12. A third part of thee. For this threefold woe, see Jer. xv. 2.

I will draw out a sword after them. The exiles shall continue to feel the severity of the Divine judgements.

13. I will be comforted. That is, I will be appeased. The French version has: “je me satisferai” (“I shall be satisfied”).