What role does the "man in linen" play in Ezekiel 9:11? Setting the Scene: Jerusalem under Judgment - Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the inner court of the temple (Ezekiel 8–9). - Six executioners stand ready; one additional figure appears: “a man clothed in linen, with a writing kit at his side” (Ezekiel 9:2). - God’s glory issues two commands—first to the man in linen, then to the six others (Ezekiel 9:4-6). Primary Assignment of the Man in Linen 1. Marking the Faithful • “Go throughout Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed there” (Ezekiel 9:4). • The mark (Hebrew taw) sets apart repentant worshipers for preservation. • Parallels: ‑ Exodus 12:7,13 — blood on the doorposts spared Israel’s firstborn. ‑ Revelation 7:3; 9:4 — servants of God sealed on their foreheads before judgment falls. 2. Reporting Completion • After carrying out the marking, “the man clothed in linen…reported back, ‘I have done as You commanded’” (Ezekiel 9:11). • His return signifies perfect obedience and closes the immediate sentencing phase; destruction now proceeds only against the unmarked (Ezekiel 9:5-7). Identity Clues in the Linen Garment - Linen in Scripture is linked with holiness and priestly service (Exodus 28:39-43; Leviticus 16:4). - The same figure reappears beside the fiery coals of judgment (Ezekiel 10:2-7), suggesting ongoing priest-like mediation. - Comparable heavenly messengers are “clothed in linen” in Daniel 10:5; 12:6-7—angels assigned to convey and carry out divine decrees. Theological Significance • Preserver of the Remnant — God always distinguishes His faithful people before judgment descends (Genesis 7:1; 2 Peter 2:9). • Herald of Divine Order — The man’s concise report models reverent compliance with God’s Word (Psalm 103:20-21; Luke 1:19). • Foreshadowing Christ’s High-Priestly Ministry — On the Day of Atonement the high priest wore pure linen to intercede for the nation (Leviticus 16:32), prefiguring Jesus who “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25). Living Application - God knows and seals all who grieve over sin; “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). - Obedience matters: like the man in linen, believers are called to complete every task exactly “as You commanded” (John 14:15). - Judgment and mercy run side by side; the mark of faith separates life from wrath (John 3:36; Revelation 20:15). Summary of the Role The man in linen functions as God’s appointed messenger who (1) identifies and protects the righteous remnant by marking their foreheads, and (2) returns to the throne with a faithful report, confirming that divine instructions have been executed down to the last detail. |
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