Before Jerusalem is struck, a man clothed in linen marks those who grieve over its abominations. Six men with slaughter weapons are then sent to execute judgment, beginning at the sanctuary, while the marked are spared.
The executioners summoned (Ezekiel 9:1–2)
A loud voice calls those appointed over the city. Six men approach from the north with slaughter weapons, accompanied by a man clothed in linen who carries a writer’s inkhorn. They stand beside the brazen altar.
The faithful are marked (Ezekiel 9:3–4)
The Glory of the God of Israel moves to the threshold. The man with the inkhorn passes through Jerusalem and marks the foreheads of those who sigh and cry over its abominations. The sign distinguishes those distressed by the city’s corruption.
Judgment begins at the sanctuary (Ezekiel 9:5–7)
The executioners are told to follow and smite, but not to approach anyone bearing the mark. Judgment begins at Yahweh’s sanctuary, with the elders before the house. Greater religious privilege brings greater accountability.
Ezekiel intercedes (Ezekiel 9:8–11)
Ezekiel falls on his face and asks whether the remnant of Israel will be destroyed. Yahweh answers that iniquity is great, the land full of blood and the city full of perverseness; the people falsely say that the LORD does not see. The man in linen reports that he has done as commanded.
The chapter’s message
Yahweh’s judgment discriminates between individuals: those who grieve over prevailing abominations are marked for preservation. The command begins at the sanctuary, and hidden unbelief is exposed. The chapter describes the agents as men; it does not specify a shape or later symbol for the mark.