The figure known as "The Man Clothed in Linen" appears prominently in the prophetic visions of the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Ezekiel. This enigmatic figure is often associated with divine revelation and heavenly authority, serving as a messenger or intermediary between God and the prophet.

Daniel's Vision

In the Book of Daniel, the Man Clothed in Linen is introduced in Daniel 10:5-6: "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude."

This description emphasizes the figure's majestic and awe-inspiring appearance, suggesting a being of significant power and authority. The linen clothing is often interpreted as a symbol of purity and righteousness, while the belt of gold signifies wealth and divine truth. The imagery of lightning, flaming torches, and polished bronze further underscores the supernatural nature of this figure.

The Man Clothed in Linen in Daniel's vision is often identified as an angelic being, possibly the archangel Gabriel, who is known for delivering messages from God. However, some interpretations suggest that this figure could be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, given the similarities to the description of the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:13-15.

Role in Daniel's Prophecy

The Man Clothed in Linen plays a crucial role in delivering prophetic messages to Daniel. In Daniel 12:6-7, he is seen standing above the waters of a river, raising his hands to heaven, and swearing by Him who lives forever, indicating the certainty and divine origin of the prophecy concerning the end times: "One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, 'How long until the fulfillment of these wonders?' And the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven. And I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, 'It will be for a time, times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been shattered, all these things will be completed.'"

Ezekiel's Vision

The Man Clothed in Linen also appears in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 9:2-3 and 10:2-7. In these passages, he is tasked with marking the foreheads of the faithful in Jerusalem before the execution of divine judgment: "And the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side. '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.'" (Ezekiel 9:3-4)

This act of marking signifies protection and divine favor, reminiscent of the Passover in Exodus, where the blood of the lamb marked the homes of the Israelites for protection from the angel of death. The Man Clothed in Linen, therefore, serves as an agent of God's mercy and judgment.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The Man Clothed in Linen is a powerful symbol of divine communication and intervention. His appearances in both Daniel and Ezekiel highlight themes of purity, judgment, and the fulfillment of God's plans. The linen garment, often associated with priestly attire, underscores the figure's role as an intermediary between the divine and human realms.

In conservative Christian theology, the Man Clothed in Linen is often seen as a representation of Christ's pre-incarnate work or as a high-ranking angelic being, such as Gabriel, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history. The figure's presence in these prophetic books serves to reassure believers of God's sovereign control over history and His ultimate plan for salvation and judgment.