Albert Barnes Commentary Ezekiel 9:2

"And behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which lieth toward the north, every man with his slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man in the midst of them clothed in linen, with a writer`s inkhorn by his side. And they went in, and stood beside the brazen altar." — Ezekiel 9:2 (ASV)

Six men – angels of wrath – figurative of destruction. They come from the north, the quarter from which invading armies entered the holy land. These “six” angels, with the “one among them,” a superior over the six, make up the number “seven,” a number symbolic of God’s covenant with His people.

The higher gate – The north gate of the court of the priests. The temple rose by platforms; as there was a north gate to the outer and also to the inner court, the latter was probably distinguished as the “higher gate.” It was built by Jotham (2 Kings 15:35).

Clothed with linen – The priestly garment (Exodus 28:6, Exodus 28:8; Leviticus 16:4). This “One Man” (Revelation 1:13) was the “angel of the covenant,” the great high priest, superior to those by whom He was surrounded, receiving direct communication from the Lord, taking the coals of vengeance from between the cherubim (Ezekiel 10:2), but coming with mercy to the contrite as well as with vengeance to the impenitent; these are attributes of Jesus Christ (John 5:30; Luke 2:34; Matthew 9:13; John 6:39).

A writer’s inkhorn – Usually a flat case about nine inches long, by an inch and a quarter broad, and half an inch thick, the hollow of which serves to contain the reed pens and penknife. At one end is the ink-vessel, which is twice as heavy as the shaft. The latter is passed through the girdle and prevented from slipping through by the projecting ink-vessel. The whole is usually of polished metal, brass, copper or silver.

The man with the inkhorn has to write in the Book of Life the names of those who will be marked. This metaphor is from the custom of registering the names of the Israelites in public rolls (Psalms 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5).