Ezekiel 9
Preparations to Destroy Jerusalem; The Righteous Marked for Salvation.This section describes how God prepares to judge Jerusalem for its sins. The vision shows angels being called to carry out destruction, but also highlights God’s care for the people who remain faithful to Him. Ezekiel learns that God’s judgment is fair—those who mourn over sin will be spared, while those who join in evil will face punishment.v. 1: Ezekiel hears a loud command from the figure he saw earlier (Ezekiel 8:2 a). The command is for those who have authority over the city to come near. These are not human armies, but angels ready to carry out God’s punishment. God had warned of coming fury (Ezekiel 8:18 b), and now Ezekiel is shown the heavenly messengers who will execute this judgment. The command is loud and forceful, showing the seriousness of the situation. God’s warnings by a quiet voice were ignored, so now the warning comes loudly. God always has His agents ready to do His will, whether for mercy or for judgment (Isaiah 8:11 c). v. 2: Immediately, six men appear, each holding a weapon for destruction. They come from the north gate, the same place where the idol was set up (Ezekiel 8:3,5 d), and where trouble often came to Jerusalem (Jeremiah 1:14 e). Their presence at the altar shows that Jerusalem’s sins have made sacrifices useless—now the city will face judgment. The fact that there are six instead of two, as with Sodom, shows that Jerusalem’s guilt is very great (Revelation 16:1; Jeremiah 39:3 f). v. 3: Among the six is a man dressed in linen, like a priest, carrying a writer’s inkhorn at his side. He is different from the others and is not there to destroy, but to save. Many believe this figure represents Christ, who is our High Priest and Mediator (Revelation 19:8 g). The inkhorn is for recording or marking those who belong to God. This is a comfort to believers: even in times of destruction, God’s people have a Savior who stands up for them and writes their names in His book. v. 4: The glory of the God of Israel moves from above the cherubim to the temple’s threshold. This means God is preparing to leave the temple, but is also about to give orders to the angels. God’s departures are gradual, showing He is patient and giving people a chance to repent. But when God’s glory leaves, all blessings go with Him (Ezekiel 8:4 h). Ezekiel notices right away that the glory has moved, showing how important it is to be aware of God’s presence. The Righteous Distinguished; The Prophet's Intercession.This passage shows how God’s judgment is carried out in Jerusalem. The destroyers are commanded to punish everyone guilty of sin, yet those who are faithful and mourn over evil are protected. The judgment starts at the temple, showing that God expects holiness from those closest to Him. Ezekiel, seeing the destruction, prays for mercy, but God explains that the people’s sins are too great to avoid punishment.v. 5: God gives a direct command to the angels with weapons. They are to go through the city and strike down everyone who is not marked for salvation. There are to be no exceptions—old and young, men and women, even children will not be spared. God says, Let not your eye spare, neither have you pity. This shows how serious sin is, because it can bring even the most severe judgment (Matthew 3:12; Jeremiah 48:10 i). Those who refuse to turn from sin must face the results. v. 6: The angels are told not to harm anyone who has the mark. These are people God has chosen to protect. God keeps His promises to the faithful, just like He protected Jeremiah and his friends during the Babylonian invasion (Jeremiah 15:11 j). None of God’s true servants will be lost. The angels must begin their work at the temple, where the leaders’ sins started. God judges His own house first because He expects the most from those closest to Him (1 Peter 4:17; Amos 3:2 k). If those in holy places do evil, their punishment will be greatest. Even the altar cannot save them if they keep sinning (Exodus 21:14; 1 Kings 2:30-31 l; Psalm 79:1 m). The angels are then to continue into the city, punishing all who have joined in the wickedness. v. 7: The angels obey God’s commands. They start with the elders, the leaders who sinned most openly, and then move on to the rest of the people. God’s judgment is thorough and does not delay. Those in the highest positions, who led others into sin, are the first to be punished (Ezekiel 8:12 n). v. 8: While the angels are carrying out the judgment, Ezekiel falls on his face and prays. He is deeply moved by God’s mercy in sparing him, and he feels responsible to pray for others. Ezekiel asks, Will you destroy all the remnant of Israel?He fears that no one will survive, and he pleads with God for mercy. Even when we see God’s justice, we are allowed to pray for His mercy (Psalm 91:7-8; Psalm 119:120 o; Jeremiah 12:1 p). v. 9: God answers Ezekiel’s prayer by explaining why judgment must happen. The sins of the people are very great. The land is full of innocent blood and injustice. The people have convinced themselves that God does not see or care about what happens. Because they have become so bold in their sin, God cannot show mercy without ignoring justice. If people say, The Lord has forsaken the earth, and he does not see(Ezekiel 8:12 q), they cannot expect His help. God’s justice and holiness demand that He punish such evil. v. 10: God says, My eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity; but I will recompense their way upon their head. He has waited long enough, and now the people will face the results of their own choices. When sin is great, God’s judgment is also great. God’s actions are always right, even if they are hard for us to understand. He is clear and fair when He judges. v. 11: The man in linen, who marked the righteous, returns to report that he has completed his task. He has found all who mourned over the sins of the land and marked them for safety. This shows that Christ, our Mediator, is faithful to save everyone God gives to Him. Of all that you have given me I have lost none(John 18:9 r).
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