Ezekiel 9:1

KJV

¶ He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man [with] his destroying weapon in his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

He cried {H7121} also in mine ears {H241} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963}, saying {H559}, Cause them that have charge {H6486} over the city {H5892} to draw near {H7126}, even every man {H376} with his destroying {H4892} weapon {H3627} in his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he cried loudly right in my ears: "Summon the commanders of the city, each holding his weapon of destruction."

Berean Standard Bible

Then I heard Him call out in a loud voice, saying, “Draw near, O executioners of the city, each with a weapon of destruction in hand.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 9:1 introduces a terrifying and decisive moment in God's judgment upon Jerusalem, immediately following the prophet's vision of widespread idolatry and defilement within the temple. This verse depicts God, with a commanding and unmistakable voice, summoning the agents of His divine wrath to draw near, each armed with a weapon of destruction, signaling that the time for repentance has passed and the appointed execution of righteous judgment is at hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic and inevitable climax to the preceding chapter, [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"), where the prophet is granted a vision of the rampant and escalating idolatry within the very precincts of the Jerusalem temple. From the idol of jealousy at the gate to the seventy elders worshipping images, and women weeping for Tammuz, to priests bowing to the sun, [Ezekiel 8:5-18](/ezekiel/8-5-18 "Ezekiel 8:5-18 - The Abominations in the Temple") meticulously details the profound spiritual apostasy that had permeated every level of society. Ezekiel 9:1 directly follows God's declaration in [Ezekiel 8:18](/ezekiel/8-18 "Ezekiel 8:18 - God Will Not Pity") that He would show no pity or compassion. Thus, this verse marks the immediate transition from the revelation of sin to the active execution of divine judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent distinction between the marked righteous and the general slaughter of the wicked within the city. The "loud voice" underscores the divine authority and the urgency of this impending, irreversible catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's ministry took place during the Babylonian exile, specifically after the first deportation of Judah's elite in 597 BC. Although Jerusalem had not yet fallen, it was under severe threat from Babylon. The spiritual state of the city, as revealed in Ezekiel's visions, was one of profound covenant unfaithfulness. The people, including those in positions of religious leadership, had abandoned the exclusive worship of Yahweh, embracing various pagan cults and defiling the temple, the very symbol of God's presence among them. This widespread apostasy was a direct violation of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3-6 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First Two Commandments")). The "city" in view is Jerusalem, the theological and political heart of Judah. The concept of divine judgment being executed through foreign powers or supernatural agents was a recurring theme in Israelite prophecy, reflecting God's sovereignty over history and His unwavering justice in dealing with His covenant people's rebellion, as seen in earlier warnings in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 9:1 introduces and powerfully reinforces several core themes pervasive throughout the book of Ezekiel. The most prominent is the theme of **Divine Judgment** against persistent sin and rebellion, particularly against God's own people who had so flagrantly defiled His sanctuary and broken His covenant. This judgment highlights God's **Absolute Holiness and Justice**, demonstrating that He cannot and will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely, even from those He has chosen. The "loud voice" and the immediate summons of the "destroying weapon" underscore the **Imminence and Inevitability of Consequence**, signaling that the period of divine patience has expired and the execution of wrath is now at hand. Furthermore, the "destroying weapon" points to the **Purposeful and Thorough Nature of God's Cleansing**, indicating that the coming devastation is not arbitrary but a targeted act of divine purification necessary to restore His glory and holiness to His defiled dwelling. This aligns with the broader Ezekielian narrative of God's glory departing from the temple and city ([Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs")) before judgment, with the promise of its eventual return after purification ([Ezekiel 43](/ezekiel/43 "Ezekiel 43 - The Glory Returns")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to call aloud," this word signifies a sound or voice. In this context, combined with "loud" (H1419, _gâdôwl_), it emphasizes the authoritative, unmistakable, and powerful nature of God's command. It is not a whisper or a suggestion, but a resounding declaration that demands immediate attention and obedience, underscoring the divine imperative behind the impending judgment.
* **Charge (Hebrew, _pᵉquddâh'_):** This feminine passive participle, derived from a root meaning "to visit" or "to appoint," denotes "visitation" in various senses, often official. Here, it refers to those who have "charge" or "oversight" over the city, implying a delegated authority or responsibility. In the context of judgment, it points to the agents or instruments of God's visitation, who are now called to execute His appointed task of judgment upon Jerusalem. It conveys the idea of a divine reckoning or audit.
* **Destroying (Hebrew, _mashchêth'_):** This word, for _mashchîyth_, signifies "destruction" or "destroying." When paired with "weapon" (H3627, _kᵉlîy_), it specifically describes the nature and purpose of the implements carried by God's agents. It indicates that these are not mere tools of war, but instruments designed for utter devastation and demolition. This word underscores the severity and thoroughness of the judgment, emphasizing that the intent is not merely to wound or subdue, but to utterly lay waste and bring about an end to the city's rebellion.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** A primitive word, referring to the open hand, indicating power, means, or direction. In this context, "in his hand" signifies immediate capability, readiness, and the power to execute the divine decree. It emphasizes that these agents are fully equipped and poised for the task of destruction, with the means to carry out the divine will directly and forcefully.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and the prophet Ezekiel's direct, intimate reception of the message. The "loud voice" (Hebrew: _qôwl gâdôwl_) emphasizes the urgency, authority, and unmistakable clarity of God's command, signifying the gravity of the revelation that is about to unfold. The phrase "in mine ears" highlights the personal and direct nature of this divine communication to the prophet, ensuring its authenticity and impact.
* **"Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near,"**: This is the core command, a divine summons. "Them that have charge over the city" refers to the appointed agents of divine judgment, often understood as angelic beings or heavenly executioners, who are now called to fulfill their dreadful commission. The verb "to draw near" (Hebrew: _qârab_) indicates an immediate and imperative summons, bringing these agents into position to commence their work. This signifies the active initiation of God's judgment, moving from pronouncement to execution.
* **"even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand."**: This final phrase specifies the nature of the summoned agents and their equipment. "Every man" (Hebrew: _ʼîysh_) emphasizes the individual readiness and preparedness of each agent, indicating a complete and comprehensive response to the divine command. Their "destroying weapon" (Hebrew: _mashchêth kᵉlîy_) indicates that they are armed with instruments specifically designed for demolition and shattering, not just general warfare. The phrase "in his hand" (Hebrew: _yâd_) signifies readiness, immediate capability, and the power to execute the divine decree, underscoring that these agents are fully equipped and poised for the task of destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity and immediacy of God's judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the description of God "crying" with a "loud voice," attributing human-like vocal actions to the divine to convey the intensity, clarity, and personal nature of His command to Ezekiel. The phrase "in mine ears" further emphasizes this sensory experience for the prophet, making the divine communication vivid and undeniable. **Symbolism** is present in the "destroying weapon," which represents not merely literal implements of war but the instruments of divine judgment and the devastating, comprehensive nature of God's wrath against sin. The **imperative mood** of "Cause them... to draw near" conveys the absolute authority and immediacy of God's decree, leaving no room for delay or negotiation. The repetition of the idea of readiness and immediate action ("draw near," "in his hand") creates a profound sense of **ominous anticipation**, building tension as the vision shifts from observation of sin to the inevitable, swift execution of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 9:1 serves as a stark and unyielding reminder of God's unwavering holiness and His profound commitment to justice, particularly when His covenant people persist in flagrant rebellion and defilement of His sacred presence. It underscores the sobering truth that divine patience has limits, and unrepentant sin inevitably incurs divine wrath. This verse initiates a crucial phase of judgment, demonstrating that God's sovereignty extends not only to warning and lament but also to the active, decisive execution of His righteous decrees. The impending destruction is not arbitrary but a necessary act of purification to uphold His glory and cleanse His defiled sanctuary, preparing the way for future restoration and the manifestation of His holiness among the nations.

* [Jeremiah 25:8-9](/jeremiah/25-8-9 "God's Judgment Through Babylon")
* [Lamentations 2:1-5](/lamentations/2-1-5 "God's Wrath Poured Out on Zion")
* [Revelation 15:5-8](/revelation/15-5-8 "The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 9:1 is a profoundly sobering passage that calls us to serious introspection regarding our own walk with God and the spiritual state of our communities. It reminds us that God's holiness demands a response to sin, and His justice will ultimately prevail, even if it seems delayed. For us today, this means recognizing that idolatry is not limited to physical images but extends to anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts – whether it be wealth, power, comfort, reputation, or even good causes pursued apart from His will. The "loud voice" of God's command should pierce through our complacency, urging us to examine our lives for any defilement that grieves His Spirit and compromises our devotion. It also challenges us to consider our role in a world that often mirrors ancient Judah's spiritual apathy and rebellion. Do we grieve over the sins of our culture and the church, or have we become desensitized? This verse compels us to cultivate a profound reverence for God's holiness, to live in sincere repentance, and to understand that His judgment, though severe, is always righteous and ultimately serves His redemptive purposes, paving the way for true spiritual renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or forms of spiritual defilement might be subtly present in my own life or in the church today that grieve God's Spirit?**
* **How does the "loud voice" of God's command in this verse challenge my complacency or apathy towards personal and corporate sin?**
* **In what ways can I, like Ezekiel, be a faithful witness to God's holiness and justice in a world that often disregards Him?**
* **How should the imminence of God's righteous judgment shape my urgency in living a life of repentance and sharing the Gospel with others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "loud voice" in Ezekiel 9:1?**

Answer: The "loud voice" (Hebrew: _qôwl gâdôwl_) signifies the absolute authority, urgency, and unmistakable clarity of God's command. It is not a gentle whisper but a thunderous declaration, emphasizing the gravity and finality of the impending judgment. This powerful vocalization underscores that the time for mercy has passed, and the divine decree for judgment is now being unequivocally issued, demanding immediate action from the agents of His wrath. It conveys the immense weight and seriousness of God's righteous response to the widespread abominations detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple").

**Who are "them that have charge over the city" and what is their "destroying weapon"?**

Answer: "Them that have charge over the city" are generally understood to be angelic beings or heavenly executioners, divine agents appointed by God to carry out His judgment. They are not human armies, but supernatural instruments of God's wrath. Their "destroying weapon" (Hebrew: _mashchêth kᵉlîy_) is not a generic military implement, but a tool specifically designed for utter demolition and shattering. This emphasizes the thorough and devastating nature of the judgment God was about to unleash upon Jerusalem, indicating a purposeful act of divine cleansing and destruction rather than mere conquest. This concept of divine agents of judgment is seen elsewhere in scripture, such as the destroying angel in [Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Destroying Angel") or the angels of judgment in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 9:1 depicts a terrifying scene of divine judgment, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found in how God's ultimate judgment on sin was absorbed and satisfied in Jesus Christ, and how His work provides the true "mark" of protection. The "destroying weapon" of God's wrath, poised against a rebellious Jerusalem, foreshadows the universal judgment against all sin that would justly fall upon humanity. However, in Christ, God's justice and mercy perfectly converge. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became the recipient of this divine wrath, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and rebellion on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin")). His sacrifice means that those who are "marked" by faith in Him are spared from the spiritual destruction that sin merits, much like the righteous in Ezekiel 9 were marked for preservation. The "mark" in [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Preservation"), which spared the faithful, finds its ultimate reality in the spiritual sealing of believers by the Holy Spirit, who are "marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit" ([Ephesians 1:13](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")), guaranteeing their redemption and future inheritance. Thus, the terrifying summons of judgment in Ezekiel 9:1 ultimately points to the profound mercy and redemptive power found in Christ, who delivers us from the coming wrath and brings us into His eternal kingdom ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thermonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Delivered from Wrath")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.

1 Chronicles 21:15

And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Ezekiel 43:6

And I heard [him] speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.

Ezekiel 43:7

¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

Revelation 1:10

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Revelation 1:11

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Revelation 14:7

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.