Ezekiel 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands Ezekiel to shave his head and beard with a sharp sword. He is to divide the hair into three parts. A third part will be burned in the fire in the city after the siege (vv.

Key verse

“A third part of you will die with the pestilence, and they will be consumed with famine within you. A third part will fall by the sword around you. A third part I will scatter to all the winds, and will draw out a sword after them.”
Ezekiel 5:12 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 5:1–4 Symbolic Shaving of Hair
Ezekiel 5:5–7 Jerusalem's Rebellion
Ezekiel 5:8–10 Judgment Declared
Ezekiel 5:11–13 Consequences of Defilement
Ezekiel 5:14–15 Reproach Among Nations
Ezekiel 5:16–17 Final Warnings of Destruction

Discussion questions

Why does Ezekiel use a 'sharp sword' in v1 to shave his head and beard?
What does God say will happen to one-third of the people in v12?
In v6, what does it mean that Jerusalem has rebelled 'more' than the surrounding nations?
What is the implication of God stating in v13 that His anger will be 'accomplished'?
When have you seen consequences for actions that mirror the 'detestable things' mentioned in v11?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 5: Leviticus 26, Ezekiel 14, Ezekiel 7.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 6.