Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and 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.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Go through {H5674} the midst {H8432} of the city {H5892}, through the midst {H8432} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and set {H8427} a mark {H8420} upon the foreheads {H4696} of the men {H582} that sigh {H584} and that cry {H602} for all the abominations {H8441} that be done {H6213} in the midst {H8432} thereof.

ADONAI said to him, "Go throughout the city, through all Yerushalayim, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and crying over all the disgusting practices that are being committed in it."

“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”

And Jehovah said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 9:4 presents a profound scene of divine justice and mercy during a period of impending judgment upon Jerusalem. The Lord instructs a figure to identify and mark those who mourn the widespread sin and idolatry in the city, setting them apart for preservation from the coming destruction. This verse highlights God's meticulous discernment between the unrighteous and the faithful remnant.

Context

This verse is part of a vivid vision in Ezekiel chapters 8-11, detailing the pervasive idolatry and abominations being practiced by the people of Judah, even within the temple precincts in Jerusalem. God reveals these acts of rebellion to Ezekiel, explaining the reasons for the impending divine judgment and the departure of His glory from the temple. Chapter 9 specifically describes the execution of this judgment, where angelic figures are commanded to slay the inhabitants, but only after those who grieve over the city's sins are identified and marked for protection.

Key Themes

  • Divine Discrimination and Justice: God's judgment is not indiscriminate. He meticulously distinguishes between the unrepentant and those who genuinely lament the spiritual decay around them. This demonstrates His perfect justice and His commitment to preserving a righteous remnant amidst widespread apostasy.
  • Lamentation for Sin: The phrase "sigh and cry" signifies deep spiritual anguish and grief over the prevalent sin, idolatry, and moral corruption in society. It is an active display of righteousness, indicating a heart aligned with God's holiness, even when surrounded by wickedness.
  • Divine Protection and Preservation: The mark on the forehead serves as a visible sign of divine ownership and protection, safeguarding the marked individuals from the coming destruction. It underscores God's faithfulness to those who remain loyal to Him, even in times of severe judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The "mark" (KJV) in Hebrew is tav (תָּו). This is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In ancient Hebrew script, the tav often resembled an 'X' or a cross. Its placement on the foreheads of the faithful signified open identification with God and served as a visible sign of distinction and protection, akin to a seal or a brand. This single letter carried profound meaning as a symbol of divine preservation.

Related Scriptures

  • This act of marking for protection echoes the blood applied to the doorposts during the Passover in Exodus, which signified protection from the angel of death.
  • Similarly, in the New Testament, we see parallels in Revelation 7:3, where God's servants are sealed on their foreheads before divine judgments are unleashed upon the earth, assuring their preservation.
  • The act of grieving over national or societal sin is also seen in Psalm 119:136, where the psalmist's eyes shed rivers of water because people do not keep God's law.
  • Even in the New Testament, 2 Peter 2:8 describes Lot's righteous soul being vexed daily by the lawless deeds of Sodom, showing a similar anguish over sin.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 9:4 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • A Call to Discernment: We are called to be spiritually discerning, recognizing the pervasive nature of sin in our world and not becoming desensitized to it.
  • The Importance of Lament: Genuine faith involves not only celebrating God's goodness but also grieving over sin and injustice, both personal and societal. This lament is a sign of spiritual health and alignment with God's heart for righteousness.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Remnant: Even in times of widespread apostasy and impending judgment, God knows and protects those who are faithful to Him. This offers great comfort and assurance to those who strive to live righteously in a fallen world.
  • Living Distinctively: Just as those in Jerusalem were physically marked, believers today are called to live distinctively, demonstrating their allegiance to God through their attitudes and actions, particularly their aversion to sin and their love for God's holiness.
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.

  • Revelation 9:4

    And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:22

    Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

  • Revelation 14:1

    ¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

  • Revelation 7:2

    And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

  • Revelation 7:3

    Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

  • Revelation 20:4

    And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
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