● Verse 1 – “Then I heard him call out in a loud voice, ‘Bring near those who are appointed to execute judgment on the city, each with a weapon in his hand.'”
In this verse, Ezekiel hears a voice calling for those who are appointed to execute judgment on the city. This voice is likely that of the Lord, who is bringing judgment upon Jerusalem for their idolatry and rebellion. The fact that those who will execute judgment are called to come with a weapon in hand suggests that the judgment will be severe and decisive.
● Verse 2 – “And I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with a deadly weapon in his hand. With them was a man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. They came in and stood beside the bronze altar.”
In this verse, Ezekiel sees six men coming from the north gate, each with a deadly weapon in his hand. These men are likely the angels or servants of the Lord who have been appointed to execute judgment upon the city. The man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side is likely an angel as well. This angel may be tasked with recording the events that are about to take place, or he may be a messenger from the Lord who is present to deliver a specific message. The fact that the six men stand beside the bronze altar suggests that they are there to carry out God’s judgment upon those who have sinned and rebelled against Him.
● Verse 3 – “Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side.”
In this verse, the glory of the Lord, which had previously been above the cherubim, moves to the threshold of the temple. This movement symbolizes the departure of God’s presence from the temple, as a result of the sins of the people. The fact that the Lord calls to the man clothed in linen suggests that this angel has an important role to play in the judgment that is about to take
place.
● Verse 4 – “He said to him, ‘Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.'”
Lord commands the man clothed in linen to go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over the sins that are being committed in the city.
The mark that is put on these individuals may symbolize their identification as faithful and righteous followers of God, who have not participated in the idolatry and rebellion of the rest of the city.
This command highlights the fact that even in the midst of judgment, God is merciful and compassionate towards those who remain faithful to Him.
Application
The events described in Ezekiel Chapter 9 emphasize the severity of God’s judgment upon sin, as well as the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to Him. The fact that the man clothed in linen is commanded to put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over the sins of the city highlights the importance of having a heart that is sensitive to the things that grieve God. As Christians, we must strive to remain faithful and obedient to God, even in the midst of difficult circumstances and opposition. We must also remain sensitive to the things that grieve God and seek to live our lives in a way that honors and pleases Him.
Verses 5-5
In these verses, God is speaking to Ezekiel and instructing him to go throughout the city of Jerusalem and mark the foreheads of those who are faithful to God and grieve over the sins of the people.Those who are marked will be spared when God brings judgment upon the city, but those who are not marked will face destruction.God also commands six men to follow Ezekiel, each carrying a deadly weapon. They are instructed to go through the city and kill everyone who is not marked with the sign of God. The violence and destruction that God is bringing upon the city is a result of the people’s disobedience and rebellion against Him. They have turned away from God and embraced wickedness and idolatry.However, even in the midst of judgment, God is still merciful and gracious. He spares those who are faithful and obedient to Him, and He provides a way for them to escape the destruction that is coming.
As Christians, we can learn from the example of those who are marked with the sign of God. They are faithful to God, grieve over sin, and are spared from judgment. We too must be faithful to God and grieve over the sin that is in the world. We must also recognize that there is a day of judgment coming, and we must be prepared for it. We do not know when that day will come, but we must be ready at all times, living our lives in a way that pleases God and honors Him. Just as God provided a way for those who were faithful to Him to escape judgment, He has also provided a way for us to be saved. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life.Therefore, let us strive to be faithful to God, to grieve over sin, and to live our lives in a way that pleases Him. Let us also share the message of salvation with others so that they too may be spared from the judgment that is to come.
Verses 9-11
In these verses, Ezekiel continues to describe the scene of destruction and judgment that is coming upon Jerusalem.God tells Ezekiel that the sin of the people has become great, and that the land is filled with violence and wickedness. The people have turned away from God and have embraced idolatry, immorality, and all sorts of evil practices. As a result of their sin, God will not spare them from judgment. He will pour out His wrath upon them and bring destruction upon the city. Even the leaders and the priests, who should have been guiding the people in the ways of righteousness, are caught up in sin and are facing judgment.The judgment that is coming is severe and will not spare anyone who has sinned against God. It is a reminder that sin always has consequences and that God is just in punishing sin.
However, even in the midst of judgment, God is still merciful and gracious. He always provides a way for people to repent and turn back to Him. As Christians, we must take sin seriously and recognize that it always has consequences. We must also remember that God is just and will not tolerate sin. However, we must also remember that God is merciful and gracious. He always provides a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and receive eternal life. We must turn away from our sin and turn to God, seeking His forgiveness and His guidance in our lives. Let us strive to live our lives in a way that honors God, avoiding sin and pursuing righteousness. And let us also share the message of salvation with others, so that they too may be saved from the judgment that is to come.
Lessons Learned:
1. Sin always has consequences, and God is just in punishing sin.
2. God is merciful and gracious, and always provides a way for people to repent and turn back to Him.
3. The judgment that is coming is severe and will not spare anyone who has sinned against God. Even the leaders and the priests are held accountable for their actions and will face judgment if they have sinned against God.
4. God’s judgment is not arbitrary or random, but is based on people’s actions and choices. We must take sin seriously and recognize its destructive power in our lives and in society. God calls us to live lives of righteousness and to pursue His ways, not our own.
5. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our sins and receive eternal life. 6. We must share the message of salvation with others, so that they too may be saved from the judgment that is to come.
7. We can trust in God’s justice and mercy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances and trials.
Cross references:
● Revelation 7:3-4 – This passage describes a similar scene of God’s servants being marked for protection before a time of judgment.
● Jeremiah 25:29-31 – This passage speaks of God’s judgment on Jerusalem and the surrounding nations, highlighting the severity of His punishment for sin.
● Romans 6:23 – This verse emphasizes the consequences of sin and the gift of eternal life that is available through faith in Jesus Christ.
● 1 Peter 4:17-19 – This passage emphasizes the importance of judgment beginning with the household of God and the need for believers to persevere in the face of trials and suffering. Psalm 51:1-3 – This psalm is a prayer of confession and repentance, highlighting the importance of acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness from God.
These cross references help to provide a broader context for the themes and messages found in Ezekiel Chapter 9, and demonstrate how the themes of judgment, repentance, and forgiveness are present throughout the Bible.