Matthew Henry Commentary Ezekiel 5:1-4

"And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp sword; [as] a barber`s razor shalt thou take it unto thee, and shalt cause it to pass upon thy head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair. 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. And thou shalt take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. And of these again shalt thou take, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; therefrom shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel." — Ezekiel 5:1-4 (ASV)

The prophet was to shave off the hair of his head and beard, which signifies God's utter rejection and abandonment of that people.

One part was to be burned in the middle of the city, denoting the multitudes that would perish by famine and pestilence.

Another part was to be cut in pieces, representing the many who would be slain by the sword.

Another part was to be scattered to the wind, denoting the carrying away of some to the land of the conqueror and the flight of others to neighboring countries for shelter.

A small quantity of this last portion was to be bound in his skirts, signifying the great care with which these few were to be kept. But few were reserved.

To whatever refuge sinners flee, the fire and sword of God's wrath will consume them.