I. Introduction: Ezekiel 9 reveals God’s judgment upon the people of Jerusalem for their idolatry and wickedness. The prophet Ezekiel is shown a vision of the Lord’s wrath being executed by six men with deadly weapons, and a seventh man clothed in linen with a writer’s inkhorn. This chapter is a warning to everyone about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance. It also provides a glimpse into the holiness and justice of God, who will not, can not tolerate sin in His presence.
II. The Command to Execute Judgment (Ezekiel 9:1-2)
In Ezekiel 9:1-2, the Lord calls for the executioners of His judgment to come near. The six men with weapons represent the instruments of God’s wrath, while the seventh man with the inkhorn represents the recording of the righteous who will be spared. This scene is makes us mindful of the Passover in Exodus 12:12-13, where the Lord struck down the firstborn of Egypt but spared the Israelites who had the blood of the lamb on their doorposts.
III. The Marking of the Righteous (Ezekiel 9:3-4)
Ezekiel 9:3-4 describes the man clothed in linen being commanded to go through the city and mark the foreheads of those who sigh and cry over the abominations being committed. This marking serves as a protection from the impending judgment, somewhat like the sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation 7:3-4, who are protected from the wrath of God during the tribulation.
IV. The Execution of the Wicked (Ezekiel 9:5-7)
In Ezekiel 9:5-7, the executioners are commanded to follow the man with the inkhorn and slay all those without the mark, showing no mercy or pity. This judgment is reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24-25, where the Lord rained down fire and brimstone upon the wicked cities.
V. The Response of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 9:8-11)
Ezekiel 9:8-11 shows the prophet’s response to the judgment, as he falls on his face and cries out to the Lord, questioning if He will destroy all the remnant of Israel. The Lord assures Ezekiel that the wickedness of the people justifies the judgment, and that He will not spare those who have turned away from Him. This response is somewhat like the intercession of Abraham for Sodom in Genesis 18:23-32, where he pleads with the Lord to spare the righteous.
VI. Conclusion: Ezekiel 9 reveals the severity of God’s judgment upon sin and the importance of repentance and righteousness. It serves as a warning to all believers to examine their own lives and turn away from any idolatry or wickedness. The chapter also provides hope in the midst of a dreadful judgment, as it shows that the Lord will save those who are faithful to Him. It would be wise for us all to strive to be marked by the Lord as righteous, and avoid the fate of the wicked.
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