Matthew Henry Commentary Ezekiel 9

Matthew Henry Commentary

Ezekiel 9

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Ezekiel 9

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Verses 1-4

"Then he cried in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause ye them that have charge over the city to draw near, every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. 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. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon it was, to the threshold of the house: and he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writer`s inkhorn by his side. And Jehovah said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof." — Ezekiel 9:1-4 (ASV)

It is a great comfort to believers that, amidst destroyers and destructions, there is a Mediator, a great High Priest, who has standing in heaven, and in whom saints on earth also have a share. The representation of the Divine glory from above the ark, having shifted to the threshold, signified that the Lord was about to leave His mercy seat and pronounce judgment on the people. The distinguishing characteristic of this remnant that is to be saved is that they sigh and cry to God in prayer because of the abominations in Jerusalem. Those who remain pure in times of widespread wickedness, God will keep safe in times of widespread trouble and distress.

Verses 5-11

"And to the others he said in my hearing, Go ye through the city after him, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the old men that were before the house. And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and smote in the city. And it came to pass, while they were smiting, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord Jehovah! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy wrath upon Jerusalem? Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of wrestling [of judgment]: for they say, Jehovah hath forsaken the land, and Jehovah seeth not. And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will bring their way upon their head. And behold, the man clothed in linen, who had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me." — Ezekiel 9:5-11 (ASV)

The slaughter must begin at the sanctuary, that all may see and know that the Lord hates sin most in those nearest to him. He who was appointed to protect, reported the matter.

Christ is faithful to the trust entrusted to him. Is he commanded by his Father to secure eternal life to the chosen remnant? He says, Of all that thou hast given me, I have lost none.

If others perish, and we are saved, we must ascribe the difference wholly to the mercy of our God, for we too have deserved wrath. Let us still continue to plead on behalf of others. But where the Lord shows no mercy, he does no injustice; he only recompenses men's ways.

Jump to: