5:1 And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause [it] {a} to pass upon thy head and upon thy beard: then take to thee balances to weigh, and divide the [hair].
(a) To shave your head and your beard.
5:1 Take - Thus foretel the mourning, reproach, and deformity that are coming, for all this is signified by shaving the head and beard.
5:1-4 The prophet must shave off the hair of his head and beard, which signifies God's utter rejecting and abandoning that people. One part must be burned in the midst of the city, denoting the multitudes that should perish by famine and pestilence. Another part was to be cut in pieces, representing the many who were slain by the sword. Another part was to be scattered in the wind, denoting the carrying away of some into the land of the conqueror, and the flight of others into the neighbouring countries for shelter. A small quantity of the third portion was to be bound in his shirts, as that of which he is very careful. But few were reserved. To whatever refuge sinners flee, the fire and sword of God's wrath will consume them.
