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.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.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.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.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.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.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.

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?