Ezekiel 9:6

Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary." So they began with the elders who were before the temple.

Study Bible

Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children
This phrase is a direct command from God, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel, and it reflects the severity of divine judgment. The Hebrew root for "slaughter" is "הַרְגוּ" (hargu), which conveys a sense of complete and utter destruction. This is not a random act of violence but a divinely ordained judgment against those who have turned away from God. The inclusion of "old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children" emphasizes the totality of the judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, these groups represented the entirety of society, indicating that no one is exempt from the consequences of sin.

but do not go near anyone who has the mark
The "mark" here is a sign of divine protection, reminiscent of the blood on the doorposts during the Passover in Exodus. The Hebrew word for "mark" is "תו" (tav), which can also mean a sign or a covenant. This mark signifies those who are faithful to God and have been set apart from the impending judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's mercy and grace, even amidst judgment, highlighting the theme of divine protection for the righteous.

Begin at My sanctuary
The phrase "Begin at My sanctuary" underscores the principle that judgment starts with the house of God. The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" is "מִקְדָּשׁ" (miqdash), referring to the holy place where God's presence dwells. Historically, the sanctuary was the temple in Jerusalem, the center of religious life for the Israelites. This command indicates that those who are closest to God, who have the greatest knowledge of His ways, are held to a higher standard of accountability. It serves as a sobering reminder that proximity to the divine does not exempt one from judgment but rather increases responsibility.

So they began with the elders who were before the temple
The "elders" were leaders and representatives of the people, responsible for guiding them in spiritual and communal matters. The Hebrew term "זְקֵנִים" (zeqenim) denotes those with authority and wisdom. By starting with the elders, the judgment highlights the failure of leadership in maintaining faithfulness to God. This historical context reflects the broader biblical theme that leaders are accountable for the spiritual health of their communities. The phrase "before the temple" indicates their position of influence and responsibility within the religious structure, emphasizing that those in positions of spiritual authority are judged first.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. The Marked Individuals
Those who are spared from judgment because they have received a mark, signifying their faithfulness and lamentation over the sins of Jerusalem.

3. The Executioners
Angelic beings or agents of God's judgment, tasked with carrying out the divine decree.

4. The Sanctuary
The temple in Jerusalem, representing the starting point of God's judgment, emphasizing the principle that judgment begins with the house of God.

5. The Elders
Leaders of the people, who are the first to face judgment, highlighting the accountability of those in positions of spiritual leadership.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has severe consequences, and God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience and rebellion.

The Importance of Lamentation
Those who mourn over sin and seek righteousness are marked for protection, emphasizing the value of a contrite heart.

Judgment Begins at the House of God
Believers are held to a higher standard, and spiritual leaders bear significant responsibility for guiding their communities.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is just and sovereign, executing judgment according to His perfect wisdom and timing.

The Assurance of Divine Protection
Those who are faithful to God and bear His mark are assured of His protection, even amidst widespread judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of being "marked" in Ezekiel 9:6 relate to the idea of being set apart as God's people in other parts of Scripture?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, ensure that we are lamenting over sin in our lives and communities?

3. How does the principle that judgment begins at the house of God challenge us in our personal and communal spiritual lives?

4. What responsibilities do spiritual leaders have in light of the judgment that begins at the sanctuary, and how can they fulfill these responsibilities today?

5. How can we find assurance in God's protection and sovereignty, even when facing difficult or judgmental circumstances in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 7:3
This passage also speaks of a mark placed on the foreheads of God's servants, protecting them from harm during divine judgment.

1 Peter 4:17
This verse echoes the theme that judgment begins with the house of God, reinforcing the accountability of believers.

Genesis 18:25
Abraham's plea for Sodom highlights God's justice and mercy, similar to the sparing of the marked individuals in Ezekiel.

Exodus 12:23
The Passover account, where the blood on the doorposts marks the Israelites for protection, parallels the mark in Ezekiel.

Matthew 13:30
The parable of the wheat and the tares illustrates the separation of the righteous from the wicked, akin to the marking in Ezekiel.