Definition: Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 5:2. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic verse, and it speaks to a very specific situation involving a city being besieged. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a brutal plan of destruction that God intends for those who are resisting him. It’s essentially a terrifyingly detailed instruction for a massive, swift, and merciless purge. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city…” – This means God is instructing leaders of the city to deliberately set fire to a third portion (a significant amount) of the city's population. It’s not just a small, contained blaze; it’s a widespread destruction. “when the days of the siege are fulfilled” - This refers to a period of intense conflict or hardship – a siege, a war, or some kind of major challenge against God’s people. It's a time when they’re actively fighting against him. “and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife.” - This is the core of the instruction. They are to collect a specific number of people (a "third part") and then attack them with a sharp, forceful blow – like a knife. This isn’t just a casual attack; it's a deliberate act of violence. “and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind.” - This means these individuals will be dispersed or carried away by the wind – essentially lost to the world without a trace. They won’t be buried, mourned, or remembered. “I will draw out a sword after them.” - This is the most shocking part. God promises to actively intervene and take action against these scattered individuals. He will use a sword – implying a powerful, decisive force – to eliminate them completely. It’s not just about punishing them; it's about a complete eradication of this threat. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is a warning from God about the consequences of resisting him. It portrays a scenario where God uses forceful measures to punish those who refuse to obey his will. It suggests that resistance will be met with severe and relentless punishment. Important Note: The meaning of this passage has been debated throughout history, and different interpretations exist. Some scholars see it as a symbolic representation of God’s judgment on sin and rebellion, while others view it as a literal prediction of future events. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on interpretation and scholarly analysis. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about the symbolism behind it? Would you like me to explain a particular part in more detail?