◄ Ezekiel 9 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Execution of the Idolaters 1Then I heard Him call out in a loud voice, saying, “Draw near, O executioners of the city, each with a weapon of destruction in hand.” 2And I saw six men coming from the direction of the Upper Gate, which faces north, each with a weapon of slaughter in his hand. With them was another man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. And they came in and stood beside the bronze altar. 3Then 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. 4“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.” 5And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! 6Slaughter 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. 7Then He told them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go forth!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city. 8While they were killing, I was left alone. And I fell facedown and cried out, “Oh, Lord GOD, when You pour out Your wrath on Jerusalem, will You destroy the entire remnant of Israel?” 9He replied, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of perversity. For they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.’ 10But as for Me, I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. I will bring their deeds down upon their own heads.” 11Then the man clothed in linen with the writing kit at his side reported back, “I have done as You commanded.” Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ezekiel 9 Summary Execution of the Idolaters Verses 1–2 – The Summons of Judgment Ezekiel hears a loud command and sees six men armed for destruction coming from the north gate, the usual entry point of invading armies. With them stands a seventh figure, a man in linen carrying a writing kit. All seven take position beside the bronze altar in the inner court. Verses 3–4 – The Protective Mark God’s glory, which has resided above the cherubim, moves to the threshold of the temple. The LORD tells the man in linen: “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed there.” Compassion is promised to those whose hearts break over sin. Verses 5–6 – No Pity in Judgment To the six executioners God says, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone … but do not go near anyone with the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” Judgment falls first on the elders in the temple. Verses 7–8 – Temple Defiled and Ezekiel’s Plea The slaughterers are told to fill the courts with the slain, defiling the very place that had already been desecrated by idolatry. Watching the carnage, Ezekiel falls facedown and cries, “Alas, Lord GOD, will You destroy the entire remnant of Israel?” Verses 9–11 – Divine Reply and Completion The LORD answers: Israel’s bloodshed and perversity are extreme; the people think God does not see. Therefore He will not spare. The man in linen reports back: “I have done as You commanded.” Ezekiel 9 presents a haunting vision of divine judgment, one marked by stark severity yet infused with a glimmer of hope. The prophet Ezekiel is transported in a vision to Jerusalem, where God commissions an assembly of divine executioners to execute His justice upon the city. Amid the impending doom, however, a protective mark is offered to those who lament the detestable practices in Jerusalem, highlighting God's mercy even amidst His righteous judgment. Historical Context • Date: around 592 BC, the sixth year of exile (Ezekiel 8:1). Jerusalem still stands but will fall in 586 BC. • Setting: Ezekiel is in Babylon, yet the vision transports him to the temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 8:3). • Spiritual climate: Idolatry permeates every level—from leaders to common people (chapters 8-11). Ezekiel 9 shows God’s response. Who Are the Seven Figures? • Six men with “weapons of slaughter” represent angelic agents of judgment, not human soldiers (similar roles in Genesis 19:13; Revelation 15:6-8). • The man clothed in linen, carrying a writing kit, acts as a divine registrar. Linen garments are linked with priestly or angelic service (Leviticus 16:4; Daniel 10:5). He issues mercy before judgment. The Glory Leaving the Temple • In 8:4 God’s glory was inside; by 9:3 it moves to the threshold—a first step in a sorrowful departure that finishes in 11:23. • The movement signals that God is distancing Himself from a polluted house, yet He lingers long enough to ensure that the righteous are sealed. The Protective Mark: Symbolism and Parallels • Hebrew letter taw likely shaped like a cross in early script—an ancient sign of ownership. • Exodus 12:7 – blood on doorposts protected Israel’s firstborn. • Revelation 7:3 – servants of God sealed on their foreheads before the trumpet judgments. • Revelation 14:1 – the Lamb’s name on His followers contrasts with the beast’s mark (Revelation 13:16-17). • 2 Timothy 2:19 – “The Lord knows those who are His.” God always distinguishes between faithful and faithless. Judgment Starts at the Sanctuary • Principle: Accountability rises with privilege. The temple had the greatest light, so judgment begins there (1 Peter 4:17). • The elders (8:11) receive the first blows, showing leadership responsibility (James 3:1). • God’s fairness: those spared are identified by inward sorrow, not by social standing. The Severity of Judgment: Why No Pity? • Verse 9: “The land is full of bloodshed … the city is full of perversity.” Violence and moral decay demand response (Genesis 6:11-13). • Misconception: “The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see.” Atheistic reasoning leads to unchecked evil (Psalm 14:1). • Divine recompense: “I will bring their conduct down upon their own heads” (v. 10). God’s judgment mirrors the sin committed (Galatians 6:7). Ezekiel’s Outcry and God’s Answer • Ezekiel models intercession even when judgment is deserved (compare Abraham in Genesis 18; Moses in Exodus 32). • God’s reply balances justice with the promise that any true remnant will be preserved by the mark. Archaeological Notes on the Upper Gate and Bronze Altar • Upper (north) gate: likely the Benjamin Gate, facing the route of Babylonian invasion. Excavations of other Iron Age gates show thick, multi-chambered rooms ideal for military imagery. • Bronze altar: 18 ft square, 11 ft high (2 Chronicles 4:1). Standing beside it highlights the seriousness of the charges—worship corrupted, sacrifice meaningless (Isaiah 1:11-15). Cross-Reference Highlights • Isaiah 3:13-15 – the LORD arises to judge His people. • Jeremiah 25:8-9 – Babylon named as the executing nation paralleling the six executioners. • Malachi 3:16-18 – God keeps a “scroll of remembrance” for those who fear Him, echoing the man with the writing kit. • Luke 19:41-44 – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, predicting its later destruction for not recognizing the time of visitation. • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 – God repays trouble to those who trouble His people and gives relief to the faithful. Key Themes for Believers Today 1. God sees everything—even secret corruption—and acts justly. 2. Genuine sorrow over sin marks the faithful; mere outward religion does not. 3. Judgment begins with those who claim to know God, urging self-examination. 4. Mercy and judgment proceed together: the seal comes before the sword. 5. God’s glory will not stay where hearts remain hardened, but He is slow to depart, giving every chance to repent. The vision in Ezekiel 9 is both a warning and an assurance: a warning that unchecked sin brings real consequences, and an assurance that God knows His own and will secure them, even when judgment sweeps through the city. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 18:22-33 Abraham's intercession for Sodom parallels Ezekiel's intercession, highlighting the role of the righteous in seeking mercy for others. Revelation 7:3 The sealing of God's servants in Revelation echoes the marking in Ezekiel, showing God's protection for His people. Psalm 119:136 The psalmist's grief over sin reflects the attitude of those marked in Ezekiel 9. Teaching Points The Vision of Judgment Ezekiel 9:1-2 describes a vision where God calls for executioners to bring judgment upon the city. This highlights the reality of divine justice and the seriousness with which God views sin. The Mark of Protection In Ezekiel 9:4, God instructs a man clothed in linen to mark the foreheads of those who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed in it. This signifies God's mercy and protection for those who are grieved by sin. The Scope of Judgment Verses 5-7 depict the executioners carrying out God's judgment without pity, emphasizing the impartiality and thoroughness of divine justice. The Role of the Prophet Ezekiel's response in verse 8, where he intercedes for the remnant, shows the heart of a true prophet who is deeply concerned for the people. The Sovereignty of God The chapter concludes with the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word, as seen in verse 11. Practical Applications Grieve Over Sin Like those marked in the vision, we should cultivate a heart that grieves over sin, both in our lives and in the world around us. Seek God's Protection In times of judgment or crisis, seek the protection and mercy of God, trusting in His ability to preserve those who are faithful. Intercede for Others Follow Ezekiel's example by interceding for those who are under judgment, praying for their repentance and restoration. Understand God's Justice Recognize the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's justice, which calls us to live righteously and warn others of the consequences of sin. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The sovereign God who commands the execution of judgment upon the city of Jerusalem. He is the one who calls for the executioners and gives instructions for marking the foreheads of the faithful. The Hebrew root for LORD is "יהוה" (YHWH), often rendered as Yahweh. 2. The Man Clothed in Linen This individual is tasked with marking the foreheads of those who lament over the abominations in Jerusalem. He carries a writing kit at his side. The linen clothing signifies purity and priestly service, and he acts as a divine agent of mercy. 3. The Six Men with Weapons These are the executioners summoned by God to carry out the judgment on the city. They each hold a weapon of destruction in their hands. The Hebrew term for "men" here is "אֲנָשִׁים" (anashim), indicating they are human-like figures, possibly angelic beings. Places 1. Jerusalem The entire vision in Ezekiel 9 is set in Jerusalem, which is the central location of the prophecy. The city is depicted as a place of idolatry and abominations, leading to divine judgment. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness, though in this context, it is a city under judgment. 2. The Temple While not explicitly named in Ezekiel 9, the temple is implied as the starting point of the judgment. The vision begins with the command to execute judgment starting at the sanctuary, indicating the temple as a central place of significance. The Hebrew word for temple is "הֵיכָל" (heikal), which refers to the holy place or sanctuary. Events 1. The Summoning of the Executioners "Then I heard Him call out in a loud voice, saying, 'Draw near, O executioners of the city, each with a weapon of destruction in his hand.'" (Ezekiel 9:1) God commands the executioners to approach, each carrying a weapon. The Hebrew word for "executioners" is "פְּקֻדּוֹת" (pequddoth), indicating those appointed for judgment. 2. The Appearance of Six Men and a Man Clothed in Linen "And I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with a weapon of slaughter in his hand. And among them was a man clothed in linen, with a writing kit at his side." (Ezekiel 9:2) Six men appear, each with a weapon, and a seventh man clothed in linen, symbolizing purity and priestly service, carries a writing kit. 3. The Glory of God Moves to the Threshold "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." (Ezekiel 9:3) The glory of God, "כְּבוֹד" (kavod), departs from the cherubim and moves to the temple's threshold, signifying impending judgment. 4. The Command to Mark the Foreheads "And the LORD called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writing kit at his side. 'Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,' He said, 'and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.'" (Ezekiel 9:4) The man in linen is instructed to mark those who lament the city's sins. The Hebrew word for "mark" is "תָּו" (tav), indicating a sign of protection. 5. The Command to Slay the Unmarked "But to the others He said in my hearing, 'Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone!'" (Ezekiel 9:5) The executioners are commanded to kill all who are not marked, showing no mercy. 6. The Slaughter Begins at the Sanctuary "So they began with the elders who were before the temple." (Ezekiel 9:6) The judgment starts with the elders at the temple, emphasizing accountability among leaders. 7. Ezekiel's Intercession "While they were killing, I was left alone. And I fell facedown and cried out, 'Alas, Sovereign LORD! Are You going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of Your wrath on Jerusalem?'" (Ezekiel 9:8) Ezekiel intercedes, expressing concern for the remnant of Israel amidst the judgment. 8. God's Response to Ezekiel "He answered me, 'The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed, and the city is full of perversity. For they say, "The LORD has forsaken the land; the LORD does not see."'" (Ezekiel 9:9) God explains the severity of Israel's sin and the justification for His judgment. 9. Completion of the Task "Then the man clothed in linen with the writing kit at his side reported back, 'I have done as You commanded.'" (Ezekiel 9:11) The man in linen confirms the completion of his task, marking the faithful. Lessons from Ezekiel 9 1. The Sovereignty of God Ezekiel 9 reminds us of the absolute sovereignty of God. He is in control of all things, and His plans are perfect. The chapter opens with God calling for those who will execute His judgment, demonstrating His authority over all creation. As it is written, "The LORD said to him, 'Pass through the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there'" (Ezekiel 9:4). This shows that God sees everything and acts according to His righteous will. 2. The Importance of Righteousness In a world filled with chaos and sin, God values righteousness. Those who mourned over the sins of Jerusalem were marked for protection. This teaches us that God honors those who pursue righteousness and grieve over sin. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6) echoes this truth, encouraging us to live lives that reflect God's holiness. 3. The Reality of Judgment Ezekiel 9 is a sobering reminder of the reality of God's judgment. The chapter vividly describes the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a warning that God's patience has limits, and there will be a time of reckoning. "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17) reminds us to examine our own lives and live in a way that honors Him. 4. The Mark of Protection The mark placed on the foreheads of the righteous in Ezekiel 9 symbolizes God's protection over His people. This mark signifies that God knows those who are His and will shield them from harm. It is a powerful reminder that when we align ourselves with God's will, we are under His divine protection. "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer" (Psalm 18:2) reassures us of His steadfast protection. 5. The Call to Intercession Ezekiel 9 challenges us to be intercessors for our communities. The righteous in the chapter were marked because they were deeply troubled by the sins around them. This calls us to pray fervently for our world, standing in the gap for those who do not yet know God. "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people" (1 Timothy 2:1) encourages us to be prayer warriors. 6. The Consequences of Sin The chapter starkly illustrates the consequences of sin. The destruction that follows is a direct result of the people's rebellion against God. This serves as a reminder that sin has serious repercussions, and turning away from God leads to destruction. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23) highlights the gravity of sin and the hope found in Christ. 7. The Role of the Remnant Ezekiel 9 highlights the concept of a faithful remnant. Despite widespread sin, there were still those who remained faithful to God. This encourages us to be part of the remnant, standing firm in our faith even when the world around us turns away. "So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace" (Romans 11:5) reminds us that God always preserves a faithful few. 8. The Urgency of Repentance The chapter underscores the urgency of repentance. The people of Jerusalem had reached a point of no return, and judgment was imminent. This serves as a wake-up call to turn from sin and seek God's forgiveness before it's too late. "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out" (Acts 3:19) urges us to embrace repentance as a path to restoration. 9. The Assurance of God's Justice Ezekiel 9 assures us of God's perfect justice. While the chapter depicts judgment, it also affirms that God is just and fair in His dealings. He sees the hearts of individuals and judges accordingly. "He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness" (Psalm 96:13) reassures us that God's justice is unwavering and true. 10. The Hope of Restoration Finally, Ezekiel 9 points to the hope of restoration. While the chapter focuses on judgment, it is part of a larger narrative where God promises to restore His people. This gives us hope that no matter how dire the situation, God has a plan for redemption and renewal. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11) reminds us of God's ultimate promise of restoration. Topics 1. The Command to Execute Judgment (Ezekiel 9:1-2) God calls out to the executioners of the city, instructing them to bring their weapons of destruction. Six men appear, each with a weapon, and one man among them is clothed in linen with a writing kit at his side. This scene sets the stage for divine judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of God's wrath against sin. 2. The Marking of the Faithful (Ezekiel 9:3-4) The man clothed in linen is instructed to go through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over the abominations committed in the city. The Hebrew word for "mark" (תָּו, taw) signifies a sign of protection, indicating God's mercy towards the righteous. 3. The Slaughter of the Unfaithful (Ezekiel 9:5-7) The executioners are commanded to follow the man with the writing kit and strike down those without the mark, starting at the sanctuary. This reflects the principle of divine justice, where judgment begins with the house of God. The Hebrew root for "strike" (נָכָה, nakah) underscores the severity of the punishment. 4. Ezekiel's Intercession (Ezekiel 9:8) As the slaughter begins, Ezekiel falls facedown and cries out, asking if God will destroy the entire remnant of Israel. This intercession highlights the prophet's compassion and the tension between justice and mercy. 5. The Justification of Judgment (Ezekiel 9:9-10) God responds to Ezekiel, explaining that the iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of bloodshed and injustice. The Hebrew term for "iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon) conveys the idea of guilt and moral perversity, justifying the divine judgment. 6. Completion of the Task (Ezekiel 9:11) The chapter concludes with the man clothed in linen reporting back to God, stating, "I have done as You commanded." This signifies the fulfillment of God's directive and the execution of His righteous judgment. Themes 1. Divine Judgment Ezekiel 9 opens with a vision of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem. The chapter begins with God calling for the executioners to come forward, each with a weapon in hand (Ezekiel 9:1). This theme highlights the seriousness of God's judgment against sin and idolatry, reflecting the Hebrew root "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), meaning to judge or govern. 2. The Mark of Protection A man clothed in linen is instructed to go through the city and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over the detestable practices within it (Ezekiel 9:4). This theme emphasizes God's mercy and protection for the righteous, akin to the Hebrew word "תו" (tav), meaning mark or sign. 3. Separation of the Righteous and the Wicked The chapter illustrates a clear distinction between those who are marked for protection and those who are not. The executioners are commanded to kill without showing pity, but not to touch anyone with the mark (Ezekiel 9:5-6). This theme underscores the biblical principle of separation between the righteous and the wicked. 4. The Severity of God's Wrath The execution of judgment is described with graphic intensity, as the executioners begin their task at the temple, sparing none except those marked (Ezekiel 9:6-7). This theme reflects the severity and thoroughness of God's wrath against sin, highlighting the Hebrew concept of "חֵמָה" (chemah), meaning wrath or fury. 5. The Role of the Temple The judgment begins at the temple, indicating the centrality of the temple in Israel's relationship with God and the corruption that had infiltrated it (Ezekiel 9:6). This theme points to the Hebrew understanding of the temple as a place of holiness and God's presence, which had been defiled. 6. Intercession and Despair Ezekiel's response to the vision is one of intercession and despair, as he questions whether God will destroy the entire remnant of Israel (Ezekiel 9:8). This theme highlights the prophet's role as an intercessor and the deep sorrow over the nation's sin and impending judgment. 7. God's Justice and Righteousness The chapter concludes with God affirming the justice of His actions, stating that the iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great (Ezekiel 9:9-10). This theme emphasizes God's righteousness and justice, rooted in the Hebrew word "צֶדֶק" (tsedeq), meaning righteousness or justice. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that grieves over sin and seeks righteousness. Ask for God's protection and mercy in times of judgment. Intercede for those who are far from God, that they may turn to Him in repentance. Thank God for His justice and sovereignty, trusting in His perfect will. As we study Ezekiel 9, may we be reminded of the seriousness of sin, the reality of divine judgment, and the hope of God's mercy for those who are faithful. Let us strive to be marked by our grief over sin and our commitment to righteousness. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does Ezekiel 9:6 reconcile a loving God with the command to kill everyone, including children and the elderly? 2. Why would a supernatural mark (Ezekiel 9:4) be necessary if God is omniscient and already knows who is righteous? 3. Are there any historical or archeological records supporting a mass execution in Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel 9? 4. How does the judgment in Ezekiel 9 align with other biblical passages emphasizing mercy and forgiveness? 5. Could Ezekiel 9 be interpreted as a purely symbolic vision rather than a literal event, and if so, why include graphic details? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What is the significance of the man dressed in linen with the writer's inkhorn? 2. Why did God choose to begin His judgment at His sanctuary? 3. How do you interpret the symbolism of the mark given to the righteous in Jerusalem? 4. Why does God spare those who "sigh and groan" over the abominations in the city? What does this tell us about His character? 5. Compare Ezekiel's response to God's judgment with Abraham's response to Sodom's judgment in Genesis 18. What similarities and differences do you see? 6. How do you reconcile the image of a loving God with the depiction of divine judgment in Ezekiel 9? 7. What does this chapter teach about the consequences of collective and individual sin? 8. How can we apply the lessons from this chapter to the way we respond to sin in our society today? 9. What might be some 'detestable practices' in today's world that would grieve God? 10. If you were in Ezekiel's position, witnessing such a vision, what would be your reaction? 11. In what ways does the church today uphold or fail to uphold the kind of integrity seen in those marked for protection in Jerusalem? 12. What does this chapter say about the importance of spiritual discernment? 13. What parallels can you draw between Ezekiel 9 and the world we live in today? 14. How can we, as modern Christians, "sigh and groan" over the sins of our society in a way that is constructive and leads to change? 15. How might this chapter affect the way you think about justice and righteousness? 16. How can we bear the 'mark' of righteousness in our own lives? 17. Is there a time when you felt like Ezekiel, overwhelmed by the sin and injustice around you? How did you respond? 18. How does the depiction of God's judgment in Ezekiel 9 resonate with the concept of God's justice found in the New Testament? 19. In your personal life, how can you be an agent of change against detestable practices or sins in your community? 20. How can we find hope in God's character as revealed in this sobering chapter of divine judgment? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions