Ezekiel 9:11

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.

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.

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."

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

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 9:11 brings to a close a chilling and pivotal scene in Ezekiel's prophetic visions, confirming the execution of God's judgment upon Jerusalem. This verse records the divine messenger, identified as "the man clothed with linen" and equipped with a scribe's inkhorn, reporting the successful completion of his solemn duty to the Lord.

Context of Divine Judgment and Preservation

The preceding chapters of Ezekiel (especially Ezekiel 8) detail the rampant idolatry and moral corruption within Jerusalem and even in the Temple itself, which provoked God's righteous anger. In Ezekiel 9, God commissions agents of judgment: six men with destructive weapons and a seventh, singular figure, "the man clothed with linen," who is given a distinct task. His specific mission, outlined in Ezekiel 9:4, was to "set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." This mark served as a sign of divine protection, distinguishing the faithful remnant from those destined for destruction, emphasizing God's precise and discerning justice amidst widespread sin.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Certainty of Divine Decree: The simple report, "I have done as thou hast commanded me," powerfully underscores that God's commands are carried out to the letter. His will is perfectly executed, and His judgments are sure.
  • Discrimination in Judgment: Even in the midst of severe judgment against a rebellious city, God meticulously distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. Those who grieve over sin and remain devoted to Him are marked for preservation, highlighting His perfect justice and mercy towards a faithful remnant.
  • Obedience of Heavenly Messengers: The prompt and complete obedience of the divine messenger serves as an example of faithfulness and reinforces the concept that God's heavenly host perfectly fulfills His purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The description "the man clothed with linen" (Hebrew: ish lavushim badim) carries significant symbolic weight. Linen garments in the Old Testament often signify purity, holiness, and are associated with priestly attire (e.g., in the tabernacle service) or divine beings. This emphasizes the sacred and pure nature of his mission. The "inkhorn" (Hebrew: keseth hasopher) literally means "scribe's case" or "writing kit," underscoring his administrative role in recording and marking, a task requiring meticulous attention to detail in God's divine administration.

Practical Application and Significance

Ezekiel 9:11 offers both a solemn warning and a profound comfort. It warns that God's justice is inevitable and comprehensive, ensuring that sin will not go unpunished. However, it also provides immense comfort by revealing God's discernment and faithfulness to His people. He sees the hearts of individuals and provides protection for those who are genuinely grieved by the spiritual decay around them and strive for holiness. This divine act of marking for preservation finds parallels in other biblical narratives, such as the sealing of God's servants in Revelation before the final judgments. For believers today, it is a call to spiritual discernment, to lament over the world's sins, and to find assurance in God's unfailing protection for those who are truly His.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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