Ezekiel 9:5

And as I listened, He said to the others, "Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone!

Study Bible

And as I listened
This phrase indicates the attentive posture of the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "listened" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. In the biblical context, listening is often associated with obedience to God's commands. Ezekiel's role as a prophet required him to be attuned to God's voice, emphasizing the importance of spiritual receptivity in fulfilling God's will.

He said to the others
The "He" refers to God, who is issuing a command to the angelic executioners. The phrase underscores God's sovereign authority and His ability to direct both heavenly and earthly beings. The "others" are likely the six men mentioned earlier in the chapter, representing divine agents of judgment. This highlights the biblical theme of God using His messengers to carry out His purposes on earth.

Follow him through the city
The command to "follow him" suggests a structured and deliberate action. The Hebrew word for "follow" is "עָבַר" (avar), meaning to pass over or through. This indicates a thorough and comprehensive execution of judgment. The "city" refers to Jerusalem, symbolizing the center of God's chosen people who have turned away from Him. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of collective disobedience and idolatry.

and start killing
This phrase is stark and direct, reflecting the severity of God's judgment. The Hebrew root "הָרַג" (harag) means to kill or slay. In the context of Ezekiel, this judgment is a response to the rampant sin and idolatry in Jerusalem. It serves as a divine purging, a necessary act to restore holiness among God's people. This difficult passage challenges readers to consider the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God.

do not show pity
The command to "not show pity" emphasizes the impartiality and righteousness of divine judgment. The Hebrew word "חָמַל" (chamal) means to spare or have compassion. In this context, it underscores the idea that God's justice is not swayed by human emotions or relationships. It serves as a reminder that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and His judgments are always just.

or spare anyone
The phrase "spare anyone" reiterates the totality of the judgment. The Hebrew root "חָסַךְ" (chasak) means to withhold or refrain. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the divine decree, where no one is exempt from accountability. It serves as a sobering reminder of the universal call to repentance and the reality of divine justice for all, regardless of status or position.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the one described in this chapter.

2. The Man with the Writing Kit
In the preceding verses, this figure is tasked with marking those who lament the abominations in Jerusalem, sparing them from judgment.

3. The Six Men with Weapons
These are agents of God's judgment, instructed to follow the man with the writing kit and execute divine justice on the unmarked.

4. Jerusalem
The city where this vision takes place, representing the center of spiritual and moral decay among God's people.

5. The Glory of the God of Israel
Present in the vision, symbolizing God's authority and presence, even in judgment.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Mercy
God's judgment is a response to persistent sin and rebellion. His mercy is evident in sparing those who remain faithful.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Like the marked individuals in Jerusalem, believers today must discern and lament over sin, aligning themselves with God's righteousness.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of God's judgment, urging believers to live in holiness and obedience.

The Role of Intercession
Ezekiel's vision underscores the power of intercession for others, as seen in the marking of the faithful. Believers are called to pray for repentance and revival.

Living as a Marked People
Christians are called to be distinct in their conduct, marked by their faith and commitment to God's standards in a world often opposed to them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the man with the writing kit in Ezekiel 9:5 reflect God's concern for the faithful amidst judgment?

2. In what ways can we discern and lament over the "abominations" in our own culture, similar to those marked in Jerusalem?

3. How does the concept of divine judgment in Ezekiel 9:5 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?

4. What parallels can you draw between the sealing of the faithful in Ezekiel and the sealing described in Revelation 7?

5. How can we, as believers, live as "marked" people today, demonstrating our faith in a world that often rejects God's standards?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 18-19
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah parallels the judgment on Jerusalem, emphasizing God's justice and mercy.

Revelation 7
The sealing of the 144,000 servants of God echoes the marking of the faithful in Ezekiel, highlighting divine protection amidst judgment.

Matthew 24
Jesus' discourse on the end times reflects themes of judgment and the importance of being spiritually prepared, similar to Ezekiel's message.