Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 5:2

2 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.

So either Pestilence, or Famine with the displeasure of God, and the burning of the City, and of the Citizens is noted out.

Described on the Tile, chap. 4.1. a Type of what should be done in Ierusalem.

When the 390 days of thy lying against the Pourtrai'd City shall be ended, for when Ierusalem shall be taken at the end of the siege, the City shall be burnt, and who can say that none of the Inhabitants were burnt, as the two false Prophets Ahab and Zedekiah, Ier. 29.22? To be sure many that hid themselves under ground, in Vaults and Cellars, were burnt with the burning of the City.

'Tis not necessary this part should be equal to the former, if it be proportional 'tis enough, perhaps it might be somewhat less then the first third.

For these were such as fell, in either defending the Walls or sallying out during the siege, or were found in Arms when the City was taken, or were overtaken in their flight▪ with their most unhappy King, or by Law Martial were adjudged to die by the Conquerour, these many yet weak ones, Women and Children which died in the siege by Famine and Pestilence might be a greater third.

Those that fell to the Chald[illegible: 1 letter]ans, or [illegible: 1 letter]led to Egypt, or other Countreys though they scape somewhat longer, yet carrying like sins are at last overtaken with like evils.

Though these disposed of themselves, yet there was Gods hand also in it, he scattered those that of their own accord did [illegible: 1 letter]ly.

Violent, uncertain, and troublesome should their Enemies prove to them.

God will pursue them.

Figuratively 'tis wasting punishment, literally 'twas fulfilled, Ier. 42.16, 17, 22. and 43.10, 11. and 44.27.

This verse tells you into how many parts the hair was to be divided, and how to be disposed of, and so plain it needs little explication.