Now, son of man, take a sharp sword and use it as a barber’s razor to shave your head and your beard. Then take a set of scales and divide up the hair. – Ezekiel 5:1
Ezekiel means “strengthened by God.” | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Ezekiel grew up in Jerusalem and served as a priest in the temple. He was among the second group of captives taken to Babylon along with King Jehoiachin. While in Babylon, Ezekiel became a prophet of God. God often asked Ezekiel to do things that served as prophetic demonstrations to the people, of coming judgment.
And this shaving of his head and dividing up the hair is another such object lesson. God asks Ezekiel to shave his head, using a sword. A sword is not usually used to cut hair, rather is used in battle. As this was, however, an acted-out prophecy regarding the judgment that the Babylonian army would bring on Jerusalem, a sword was appropriate. The burning, chopping, and scattering of his hair represented the fall of Jerusalem and the bringing back of God’s remnant.
Ezekiel delivered God’s messages with straightforward language that everyone could understand, whether they listened or not (Ezekiel 2:7). Ezekiel did not hesitate to obey God’s instructions faithfully, though he faced considerable opposition. Ezekiel had a passionate view of judgment and hope, and he reflected God’s own sorrow over the people’s sins.
Ezekiel was told to groan with a broken heart and bitter grief for the coming judgment. And that message remains relevant for us today. Judgment day is coming. It will surely take place.
With whom will you prayerfully share the good news of the Gospel and encourage them to take heed, this week?
Lord, give me a burden to share your love to those around me, I pray.
Extended Reading — Ezekiel 5-8
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