Ezekiel 5:12

A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them.

Study Bible

A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you
This phrase reflects the severe judgment God pronounces on Jerusalem due to their persistent idolatry and rebellion. The division into thirds symbolizes a complete and thorough judgment. Plague and famine were common consequences of siege warfare in the ancient Near East, as seen in the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. This judgment echoes the curses outlined in Leviticus 26:25-26 and Deuteronomy 28:21-24, where disobedience to God's covenant results in such calamities. The use of "within you" indicates that these events will occur inside the city, emphasizing the inescapability of God's judgment.

a third will fall by the sword outside your walls
This part of the prophecy foretells the fate of those who attempt to escape the city during the siege. Historically, the Babylonian army, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, was known for its military prowess and ruthlessness, as documented in 2 Kings 25:1-7. The "sword" symbolizes warfare and death, a common biblical motif for divine judgment (Jeremiah 14:12). The phrase "outside your walls" suggests that even those who flee will not find safety, highlighting the totality of the impending destruction.

and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them
This final portion of the prophecy indicates the dispersion of the remaining population, a common practice by conquering empires to prevent rebellion. The scattering "to every wind" signifies exile and loss of homeland, as seen in the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 25:11). The "sword behind them" suggests ongoing pursuit and danger, even in exile, underscoring the relentless nature of divine judgment. This scattering fulfills earlier warnings given by prophets like Moses (Deuteronomy 28:64) and foreshadows the eventual return and restoration, a theme later explored in Ezekiel 36:24. The scattering also prefigures the dispersion of the Jewish people throughout history, yet with a promise of eventual regathering, as seen in the New Testament's spiritual gathering of believers in Christ (John 11:52).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Jerusalem
The city under judgment, representing the center of Israel's spiritual and political life.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who are facing divine judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry.

4. Plague, Famine, and Sword
Instruments of God's judgment, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of the punishment.

5. Scattering
The dispersion of the Israelites among the nations, indicating both punishment and the potential for future restoration.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has severe consequences, and God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience. We must take sin seriously in our own lives.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control, even in judgment. He uses various means to accomplish His purposes, reminding us of His ultimate authority.

Hope in Restoration
Even in judgment, there is a promise of restoration. God's discipline is meant to bring His people back to Him.

The Call to Repentance
The warning of judgment is also a call to repentance. We are invited to turn back to God and seek His mercy.

The Role of the Prophet
Ezekiel's role as a prophet is to speak truth, even when it is difficult. We are called to be faithful in sharing God's message.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the division of the people into thirds in Ezekiel 5:12 reflect the comprehensive nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways do the consequences described in Ezekiel 5:12 relate to the covenant curses found in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty and justice in the events described in Ezekiel 5:12, and how should this influence our view of current events?

4. What lessons can we learn from the scattering of the Israelites about God's purposes in allowing difficult circumstances in our lives?

5. How can we apply the call to repentance found in Ezekiel's message to our personal walk with God today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28
These chapters outline the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including famine, sword, and scattering, which are echoed in Ezekiel's prophecy.

Jeremiah 24
Jeremiah also speaks of the fate of the people, using the imagery of good and bad figs to describe those who will be preserved and those who will face judgment.

Zechariah 13:8-9
This passage similarly describes a division of the people, with a portion being refined and restored, highlighting God's redemptive purpose even in judgment.