Ezekiel 9:11

KJV

And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which [had] the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, the man {H376} clothed {H3847} with linen {H906}, which had the inkhorn {H7083} by his side {H4975}, reported {H7725} the matter {H1697}, saying {H559}, I have done {H6213} as thou hast commanded {H6680} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this point the man clothed in linen with the writing equipment at his waist returned and reported, "I have done everything you ordered me to do."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the man clothed in linen with the writing kit at his side reported back, “I have done as You commanded.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 9:11 concludes a profound vision of divine judgment upon Jerusalem, recording the precise and complete execution of God's command. The "man clothed with linen," identified as the divine scribe responsible for marking those who grieved over the city's abominations, returns to the Lord to confirm that his solemn task has been perfectly fulfilled, thereby sealing the fate of the unrighteous and affirming the preservation of the faithful remnant amidst the impending destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of the vision presented in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple") and [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - Judgment on Jerusalem"). In chapter 8, Ezekiel is transported to Jerusalem and shown the escalating idolatry and spiritual depravity within the Temple itself, provoking God's righteous anger. This sets the stage for the judgment described in chapter 9. God summons six executioners, each with a weapon, and a seventh figure, "the man clothed with linen," who is given the distinct task of marking those who "sigh and groan over all the abominations" ([Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - Marking the Righteous")). The subsequent verses detail the slaughter of the unmarked, beginning at the Temple. Thus, [Ezekiel 9:11](/ezekiel/9-11 "Ezekiel 9:11 - The Report of the Man with the Inkhorn") confirms that this critical preparatory act of distinguishing the righteous from the wicked has been completed, paving the way for the full outpouring of divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of immense national trauma for Judah. Jerusalem, though not yet fully destroyed, was under Babylonian siege, and many of its inhabitants, including Ezekiel, had already been deported. The people, however, continued in their idolatry and false security, believing God would not abandon His Temple or His chosen city. The vision in [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - Judgment on Jerusalem") shatters this illusion, revealing that God Himself is orchestrating the judgment due to the pervasive sin, even within the sacred precincts of the Temple. The "man clothed with linen" with an inkhorn reflects the administrative practices of the ancient Near East, where scribes recorded decrees and marked individuals, giving a tangible, relatable image to God's meticulous and ordered judgment. The linen garment itself often signified purity and priestly attire in ancient Israel, lending an air of sacred authority to this divine messenger.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 9:11](/ezekiel/9-11 "Ezekiel 9:11 - The Report of the Man with the Inkhorn") powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **certainty and precision of divine judgment**. God's decrees are not mere threats but are executed with absolute accuracy, as confirmed by the messenger's report, "I have done as thou hast commanded me." Secondly, the passage highlights **God's meticulous discrimination amidst judgment**. Even in widespread destruction, God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked, offering a mark of preservation for those who lament sin, demonstrating His justice and mercy toward a faithful remnant (cf. [Genesis 18:23-33](/genesis/18-23 "Genesis 18:23-33 - Abraham's Plea for Sodom")). Finally, the verse exemplifies the **perfect obedience of God's heavenly agents**. The swift and complete fulfillment of the divine command by the man with the inkhorn emphasizes that God's will is perfectly carried out by His celestial host, reinforcing His sovereignty over all creation and all events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term refers to an individual, a male person. In this context, it emphasizes the specific identity of the divine messenger, distinguishing him as a singular, appointed agent rather than an undifferentiated member of a group. It highlights his unique role in God's administrative judgment.
* **clothed (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to wrap around" or "to put on a garment." This word describes the act of donning the linen attire, which is not merely incidental but signifies his office, purity, and the sacred nature of his mission. It implies a deliberate act of being vested with authority for his task.
* **reported (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** Literally meaning "to turn back" or "to return." This word conveys the action of the messenger returning to God's presence to deliver his account. It implies a completion of his assignment and a formal presentation of the results, underscoring the accountability and successful execution of the divine command.
* **matter (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This is a broad term meaning "a word," "a thing," or "an affair." Here, it refers to the entire divine commission given to the man with the inkhorn—the task of marking the righteous. His report confirms that this specific "matter" or "affair" has been fully addressed and completed according to God's instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, the man clothed with linen":** This introduces the central figure of the preceding judgment scene, emphasizing his distinctive attire (linen) which signifies purity, holiness, and a priestly or divine association, setting him apart from the six armed executioners. The "behold" draws immediate attention to his appearance.
* **"which [had] the inkhorn by his side":** This clause further identifies the man by his essential tool – the inkhorn. This detail underscores his role as a scribe or administrator, responsible for recording and marking. The "by his side" indicates readiness and the integral nature of this instrument to his divine commission.
* **"reported the matter, saying":** This describes the man's action: he returns and delivers an account. "Reported" (from _shûwb_) implies a turning back to the one who sent him, presenting the outcome of his mission. The "saying" introduces his direct verbal confirmation.
* **"I have done as thou hast commanded me.":** This is the crucial statement of complete and perfect obedience. It affirms that every detail of God's instruction regarding the marking of the righteous has been carried out without deviation, sealing the fate of Jerusalem and confirming the preservation of the marked remnant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Symbolism** is prominent: the "man clothed with linen" symbolizes purity, divine authority, and a sacred administrative role, contrasting with the destructive role of the other six men. The "inkhorn" is a **symbol** of meticulous divine record-keeping and the precise administration of justice, indicating that God's judgments are not arbitrary but based on a careful assessment. The declarative statement, "I have done as thou hast commanded me," serves as a powerful **confirmation** and **affirmation** of divine decree, bringing the preceding narrative to a decisive close and highlighting the **efficacy** of God's word and the **obedience** of His heavenly agents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 9:11 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over judgment and salvation, demonstrating that His decrees are not only certain but also executed with absolute precision and discernment. It reveals a God who, even in wrath, remembers mercy, meticulously distinguishing between those who lament over sin and those who persist in rebellion. This divine act of marking for preservation foreshadows God's consistent pattern throughout redemptive history of securing a remnant for Himself, ensuring that His covenant promises endure despite widespread apostasy. The completion of the task by the man with the inkhorn signifies the finality of the divine decision and the irreversible nature of the impending judgment, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the righteousness of God's response.

* [Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "The Passover Mark")
* [Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Sealing of God's Servants")
* [Malachi 3:16-18](/malachi/3-16 "The Book of Remembrance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 9:11 offers both a sobering warning and a profound comfort for believers today. The warning is clear: God's justice is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality that will be fully executed. No sin goes unnoticed, and no divine command remains unfulfilled. This should stir within us a holy fear and a genuine desire to live in obedience and repentance. The comfort, however, is equally profound: God meticulously discerns the hearts of individuals. Those who genuinely grieve over sin—their own and that of the world—and strive for holiness are marked for preservation. This "mark" is not a physical sign but a spiritual reality, signifying God's protective hand over His faithful ones amidst a fallen world. It encourages us to cultivate a contrite spirit, to lament the spiritual decay around us, and to find our security not in worldly structures but in God's unfailing faithfulness to His covenant people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of the divine messenger's report ("I have done as thou hast commanded me") challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His word?**
* **In what ways am I "sighing and crying" over the abominations in my own life, my community, and the world, and how does this reflect my spiritual alignment with God's heart?**
* **What assurance or challenge does the concept of God marking a remnant for preservation offer to me in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who was "the man clothed with linen" and what was his significance?**

Answer: "The man clothed with linen" is presented as a divine messenger, distinct from the six executioners. His linen attire, often associated with purity and priestly garments in the Old Testament, suggests his sacred and authoritative role. He carries an inkhorn, identifying him as a scribe or administrator. His primary significance lies in his mission to mark those in Jerusalem who grieved over the city's rampant idolatry and sin ([Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - Marking the Righteous")). This mark served as a sign of divine protection, distinguishing the righteous remnant from those destined for judgment. His report in [Ezekiel 9:11](/ezekiel/9-11 "Ezekiel 9:11 - The Report of the Man with the Inkhorn") confirms the completion of this crucial act of divine discernment before the general judgment commenced.

**What does the phrase "I have done as thou hast commanded me" reveal about divine commands and their execution?**

Answer: This phrase powerfully underscores the absolute certainty and perfect execution of God's commands. It reveals that God's will is not merely declared but is meticulously and completely fulfilled by His heavenly agents. There is no partial obedience, no deviation, and no failure in the divine plan. For the people of Judah, it served as a stark confirmation that the judgment prophesied was not only imminent but had been precisely prepared for, with the righteous already distinguished. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the unwavering effectiveness of His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 9:11, with its depiction of a divine agent marking a remnant for preservation amidst judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the man with the inkhorn marked individuals for temporal deliverance from physical destruction, Christ offers eternal salvation and spiritual preservation from God's ultimate wrath. Jesus Himself is the one who perfectly fulfills the Father's command, declaring on the cross, "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words")), having fully accomplished the work of redemption. Those who are "marked" for salvation in the New Covenant are not identified by an ink mark, but by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who serves as a "seal" or "deposit" guaranteeing our inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal of the Holy Spirit")). Furthermore, Christ, as the ultimate Judge, will perfectly discern between the righteous and the unrighteous on the final day, just as the man with the inkhorn distinguished between the lamenting and the rebellious. The "book of life" mentioned in Revelation ([Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books Opened")) is the spiritual counterpart to the inkhorn's record, containing the names of those eternally preserved through faith in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision foreshadows the perfect, discerning, and redemptive work of Christ, who secures eternal preservation for all who are truly His.

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

Zechariah 6:7

And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.

Zechariah 6:8

Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken [it], I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed [it], I will also do it.

Zechariah 1:10

And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These [are they] whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

Zechariah 1:11

And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

Revelation 16:17

¶ And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.