Ezekiel 9:4-7 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezekiel 9:1-4

In these verses we have, I. The summons given to Jerusalem's destroyers to come forth and give their attendance. He that appeared to the prophet (Ezek. 8:2), that had brought him to Jerusalem and had shown the wickedness that was done there, he cried, Cause those that have charge over the city to draw near (Ezek. 9:1), or, as it might better be read, and nearer the original, Those that have charge over the city are drawing near. He had said (Ezek. 8:18), I will deal in fury; now, says he to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezekiel 9:5-11

In these verses we have, I. A command given to the destroyers to do execution according to their commission. They stood by the brazen altar, waiting for orders; and orders are here given them to cut off and destroy all that were either guilty of, or accessory to, the abominations of Jerusalem, and that did not sigh and cry for them. Note, When God has gathered his wheat into his garner nothing remains but to burn up the chaff, Matt. 3:12. 1. They are ordered to destroy all, (1.) Without... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 9:4

And the Lord said unto him ,.... This shows that a divine Person is meant by the glory of the God of Israel: go through the midst of the city ; that is, as it is next explained, through the midst of Jerusalem ; the city the six men had the charge over or against, Ezekiel 9:1 ; and set a mark upon the foreheads ; not the Hebrew letter ת , as some say, because in the form of a cross, and so signifying salvation by the cross of Christ; for this letter has no such form, neither... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 9:5

And, to the others he said in mine hearing ,.... To the other six men that had the slaughter weapons in their hands: go ye after him through the city ; that is, after the man clothed with linen; for he was sent out first to take care of the righteous, and preserve them; and the rest were not suffered to stir till he was gone; and then they are bid to go after him. The Syriac version is, "to them that were with him he said to them before me, go through the city after me;' as if these... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children , and women ,.... All, of them objects of compassion, because of their age and sex; and yet none to be spared; and which orders were exactly obeyed; see 2 Chronicles 36:17 ; but come not near any man on whom is the mark ; these were not to be slain; and though some were carried captive, as Daniel, and others; yet it was for their good and God's glory; see Revelation 7:3 ; and begin at my sanctuary ; the temple,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 9:7

And he said unto them, defile the house ,.... The temple; do not be afraid of slaying any person in it, for fear of defiling it; they have defiled it with their abominations, and now do you defile it with their blood: and fill the courts with the slain ; the court of the priests, and the court of the Israelites, and the court of the women, and all the chambers where the priests and Levites were, and had their images portrayed: go ye forth ; from the brasen altar by which they stood,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 9:4

Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh - This is in allusion to the ancient every-where-used custom of setting marks on servants and slaves, to distinguish them from others. It was also common for the worshippers of particular idols to have their idol's mark upon their foreheads, arms, etc. These are called sectarian marks to the present day among the Hindoos and others in India. Hence by this mark we can easily know who is a follower of Vishnoo, who of Siva, who of Bramah, etc.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 9:6

Begin at my sanctuary - Let those who have sinned against most mercy, and most privileges, be the first victims of justice. Those who know their Lord's will, and do it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. The unfaithful members of Christ's church will be first visited and most punished. But let not those who belong to the synagogue of Satan exult in this, for if judgment begin at the house of God what will the end be of them who obey not the Gospel! However, the truly penitent of all... read more

Adam Clarke