Thou shalt also take of them a few in number, and bind them in thy {c} skirts.

(c) Meaning, that a very few would be left, which the Lord would preserve among all these storms, but not without troubles and trial.

Wesley's Notes

5:3 Take - Of the last third. Bind - As men tied up in the skirt of their garment what they would not lose: to signify the small remnant.

King James Translators' Notes

skirts: Heb. wings

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

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.