How does Ezekiel 9:6 emphasize God's judgment starting with His sanctuary? Text of 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 in front of the temple. Setting the Scene - Ezekiel’s vision follows the exposure of rampant idolatry within God’s own house (Ezekiel 8). - A man with an inkhorn marks every person grieved by Judah’s sin; six executioners follow. - The Lord orders judgment to start “at My sanctuary,” underscoring that holiness begins where His presence dwells. Why Judgment Begins at the Sanctuary - Greater privilege means greater accountability (Luke 12:48; Amos 3:2). - The sanctuary had been defiled; cleansing must begin where defilement is the greatest (Ezekiel 8:6–17). - God’s holiness cannot co-exist with corruption in His dwelling (Habakkuk 1:13). - The pattern reflects God’s consistent method: purge the center, then the circumference (Joshua 7). Accountability of Spiritual Leaders - “They began with the elders” (Ezekiel 9:6b); leaders are judged first (James 3:1). - Elders had led the people astray (2 Chronicles 36:14; Jeremiah 23:1). - Authority brings intensified scrutiny and responsibility (Hebrews 13:17). Purifying God’s Dwelling - Malachi 3:1–3 describes the Lord purifying the Levites before blessing the nation. - God’s temple must be fit for His glory (Ezekiel 43:7–9). - Under the New Covenant, believers are God’s temple; the call to holiness remains (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). A Pattern Repeated in Scripture - 1 Peter 4:17: “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” - Acts 5:1–11: Ananias and Sapphira judged within the early church. - Revelation 2–3: Christ evaluates His churches before judging the world. - Hebrews 12:6: “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves.” Personal and Corporate Implications - God’s people must confront sin in their own midst before addressing the world’s sin. - True revival involves repentance, confession, and cleansing (2 Chronicles 7:14). - The fear of the Lord fosters holy living and sincere witness. - Those “marked” by genuine grief over sin find safety; the indifferent face discipline and loss. |
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