2 Behold , six men came from the direction of the upper gate which faces north , each with his shattering weapon in his hand ; and among them was a certain man clothed in linen with a writing case at his loins . And they went in and stood beside the bronze altar . 3 Then the glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been , to the threshold of the temple . And He called to the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case . 4 The Lord said to him, "Go through the midst of the city , even through the midst of Jerusalem , and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst ."
5 But to the others He said in my hearing , "Go through the city after him and strike ; do not let your eye have pity and do not spare . 6 "Utterly slay old men , young men , maidens , little children , and women , but do not touch any man on whom is the mark ; and you shall start from My sanctuary ." So they started with the elders who were before the temple . 7 And He said to them, " Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain . Go out!" Thus they went out and struck down the people in the city . 8 As they were striking the people and I alone was left , I fell on my face and cried out saying , " Alas , Lord GOD ! Are You destroying the whole remnant of Israel by pouring out Your wrath on Jerusalem ?" 9 Then He said to me, "The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is very , very great , and the land is filled with blood and the city is full of perversion ; for they say , 'The Lord has forsaken the land , and the Lord does not see !' 10 "But as for Me, My eye will have no pity nor will I spare , but I will bring their conduct upon their heads ." 11 Then behold , the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case reported e , saying , "I have done just as You have commanded me."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:2-11
Commentary on Ezekiel 9:1-4
(Read Ezekiel 9:1-4)
It is a great comfort to believers, that in the midst of destroyers and destructions, there is a Mediator, a great High Priest, who has an interest in heaven, and in whom saints on earth have an interest. The representation of the Divine glory from above the ark, removed to the threshold, denoted that the Lord was about to leave his mercy-seat, and to pronounce judgment on the people. The distinguishing character of this remnant that is to be saved, is such as sigh and cry to God in prayer, because of the abominations in Jerusalem. Those who keep pure in times of general wickedness, God will keep safe in times of general trouble and distress.
Commentary on Ezekiel 9:5-11
(Read Ezekiel 9:5-11)
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 reposed in 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 in behalf of others. But where the Lord shows no mercy he does no injustice; he only recompenses men's ways.