Ezekiel 5:2

third part in the midst of the city If we could suppose that the prophet were strict in his symbolism the "city" here would be that graven upon the brick (ch. Ezekiel 4:1). There is no reason to suppose that he has this in his mind.

smite about it with a knife Rather: and smite it with the sword round about it, i.e. around the city (Ezekiel 5:12). This is the fate of many of those who seek to escape before and after the capture of the city.

draw out a sword Comp. Jeremiah 9:16, "I will scatter them among the heathen … and will send the sword after them." Lamentations 1:3, "Judah dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest; all her pursuers overtook her between the straits." The phrase again Leviticus 26:33.