The vision of the six men and the man clothed in linen is a significant prophetic event recorded in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 9. This vision is part of a series of divine revelations given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, providing insight into God's judgment and the preservation of the faithful remnant.

Context and Setting

Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, was among the Jewish exiles in Babylon following the first deportation in 597 BC. The vision occurs while Ezekiel is in Babylon, but he is transported in spirit to Jerusalem, where he witnesses the abominations being committed in the temple and the impending judgment upon the city.

The Vision

In Ezekiel 9:1-2, the prophet hears a loud voice calling for the executioners of the city to draw near, each with a weapon in hand. "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 hand.' 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. Among them was a man clothed in linen, with a writing kit at his side. They came in and stood beside the bronze altar" (Ezekiel 9:1-2).

The Six Men

The six men, often interpreted as angelic beings or agents of divine judgment, are equipped with weapons of destruction. They symbolize the impending judgment upon Jerusalem due to the people's idolatry and rebellion against God. Their presence underscores the seriousness of the divine decree and the certainty of its execution.

The Man Clothed in Linen

The man clothed in linen, distinct from the six men, carries a writing kit. Linen garments are often associated with purity and priestly service, suggesting a role of intercession or mediation. In Ezekiel 9:3-4, the LORD instructs this man to pass through the city and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over the detestable practices within it: "Go throughout 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).

The Mark of Preservation

The mark serves as a sign of divine protection, distinguishing the righteous from the wicked. Those marked are spared from the coming destruction, highlighting God's justice and mercy. This act of marking parallels the Passover in Exodus, where the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the angel of death.

Execution of Judgment

Following the marking, the six men are commanded to execute judgment without pity, beginning at the sanctuary (Ezekiel 9:5-6). This emphasizes the principle that judgment starts with the house of God, reflecting the seriousness of sin among those who are called to be His people.

Theological Significance

The vision of the six men and the man clothed in linen serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of sin. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and the reality of divine judgment. At the same time, it offers hope through the preservation of a remnant, demonstrating God's grace and the promise of restoration for those who remain faithful.

Prophetic Implications

This vision not only addressed the immediate context of Jerusalem's impending destruction but also foreshadowed future judgments and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and commitment to God's covenant.