Ezekiel 9:3

Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side.

Study Bible

Then the glory of the God of Israel
The phrase "the glory of the God of Israel" refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence and majesty. In Hebrew, "glory" is "kavod," which conveys a sense of weightiness and honor. Historically, the glory of God was associated with the Shekinah, the divine presence that dwelt in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This glory signifies God's holiness and His covenant relationship with Israel. It is a reminder of His faithfulness and the reverence due to Him.

rose from above the cherubim
The "cherubim" are angelic beings often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. In the context of the Temple, they are associated with the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was believed to dwell. The Hebrew word "keruvim" suggests beings of great power and mystery. The movement of God's glory from above the cherubim indicates a significant shift, symbolizing God's impending judgment and the withdrawal of His protective presence from the Temple due to the people's unfaithfulness.

where it had been
This phrase underscores the previous dwelling of God's glory, emphasizing the stability and constancy of His presence with Israel. The past tense "had been" suggests a change, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the loss of divine favor when God's commands are not followed.

to the threshold of the temple
The "threshold of the temple" marks a boundary between the sacred and the profane. In ancient Near Eastern culture, thresholds were significant as places of transition and decision. The movement of God's glory to the threshold signifies a pivotal moment, a pause before action, indicating that judgment is imminent. It is a call for repentance and a final opportunity for the people to turn back to God.

And He called to the man
The act of calling signifies divine initiative and authority. In this context, "the man" refers to a figure tasked with carrying out God's judgment. This calling is reminiscent of prophetic commissions throughout Scripture, where God appoints individuals to execute His will. It underscores the seriousness of the message and the certainty of its fulfillment.

clothed in linen
Linen garments are often associated with purity and holiness in the Bible. Priests wore linen when serving in the Temple, symbolizing their consecration to God. The man clothed in linen represents a divine messenger, set apart for a sacred task. This attire underscores the righteousness and solemnity of the impending judgment, as well as the hope for eventual purification and restoration.

who had the writing kit at his side
The "writing kit" indicates a role of recording or marking, suggesting a task of documentation or distinction. In ancient times, scribes used such kits to inscribe important decrees or records. This imagery conveys the idea of divine judgment being carefully noted and executed with precision. It serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and the accountability of His people to His laws.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Glory of the God of Israel
This refers to the divine presence and majesty of God, often associated with His holiness and power. In Hebrew, "glory" is "kavod," which signifies weightiness or importance.

2. Cherubim
These are angelic beings often depicted as guardians of the divine presence. In the context of the temple, they symbolize God's holiness and the separation between God and man.

3. The Threshold of the Temple
This is the entrance to the temple, symbolizing a transition point. The movement of God's glory to the threshold indicates a significant shift in His relationship with Israel.

4. The Man Clothed in Linen
This figure is often interpreted as an angelic being or a priestly figure, tasked with marking those who lament over the abominations in Jerusalem.

5. The Writing Kit
This tool signifies the authority to record or mark, symbolizing judgment and distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
God's glory moving from the cherubim to the threshold signifies His holiness and the seriousness of sin. We must approach God with reverence and recognize the gravity of sin in our lives.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
The presence of the man with the writing kit indicates that God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. This reminds us of God's justice and His mercy towards those who are faithful.

The Importance of Lament
Those marked for protection are those who lament over sin. This teaches us the importance of grieving over sin in our lives and in the world, aligning our hearts with God's righteousness.

God's Presence and Movement
The movement of God's glory signifies a change in His relationship with His people. We should be attentive to God's presence and responsive to His leading in our lives.

The Role of Intercession
The man clothed in linen can be seen as an intercessor. We are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap and praying for God's mercy and intervention.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the movement of God's glory in Ezekiel 9:3 reflect His response to the sin of the people, and what does this teach us about God's holiness?

2. In what ways can we lament over the sin in our lives and society today, and how does this align with the actions of the faithful in Ezekiel's vision?

3. How does the role of the man clothed in linen with the writing kit challenge us to consider our own role in interceding for others?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, as seen in the movement of His glory?

5. How do the themes of judgment and mercy in Ezekiel 9:3 connect with the broader account of Scripture, and how can we apply these themes to our understanding of God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:22
The cherubim are first mentioned in the context of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence would meet with Moses, highlighting the sacredness of God's glory.

Isaiah 6:1-4
Isaiah's vision of the Lord's glory in the temple parallels Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing God's holiness and the response of worship and awe.

Revelation 15:8
The temple being filled with the glory of God and no one being able to enter until the plagues are completed connects to the theme of divine judgment and presence.