Ezekiel 9:7

KJV

And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Defile {H2930} the house {H1004}, and fill {H4390} the courts {H2691} with the slain {H2491}: go ye forth {H3318}. And they went forth {H3318}, and slew {H5221} in the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to them, "Defile the house! Fill the courtyards with corpses! Get going!" So they went out, spreading death in the city.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He told them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go forth!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and smote in the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 9:7 vividly portrays the grim execution of divine judgment against Jerusalem, where God commands His appointed agents to "defile the house" (the Temple) and "fill the courts with the slain." This shocking directive underscores the profound spiritual degradation that had permeated the very core of Israel's worship, rendering their once-sacred dwelling a site for divine retribution. The verse immediately records the swift and uncompromising obedience of these executioners, as the slaughter commences within the city, highlighting the certainty and severity of God's righteous indignation against unrepentant sin and the devastating consequences of Israel's pervasive spiritual apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 9:7 is a pivotal moment within a series of prophetic visions (Ezekiel 8-11) that meticulously detail the reasons for and the unfolding of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and its revered Temple. Chapter 8 graphically exposes the abominations committed within the Temple precincts—from idolatrous images to sun worship—revealing the deep spiritual defilement that had corrupted the heart of Israel's religious life. Chapter 9 then transitions from revelation to execution, introducing six men with slaughter weapons and one man with a writing kit. The command to "defile the house" with the slain immediately follows the divine instruction to mark those who grieve over the abominations ([Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Preservation")), indicating that judgment is precise and commences at the sanctuary, radiating outward. This specific verse describes the immediate and direct obedience to God's chilling command, setting the stage for the subsequent destruction and the symbolic departure of God's glory from the Temple, as powerfully depicted in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon after the first deportation of Jerusalem's elite in 597 BC. Although Jerusalem still stood, it was under severe Babylonian threat, eventually falling in 586 BC. The Temple, originally built by Solomon, was not merely a building but the spiritual, national, and cultural epicenter of Israelite life, embodying God's tangible presence among His people. To "defile the house" with the slain was an act of profound sacrilege, typically perpetrated by foreign conquerors, signifying utter defeat and abandonment by a nation's deity. However, in this unique instance, it is a divine command. The pervasive idolatry and moral decay meticulously cataloged in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple") had already rendered the Temple "unclean" in God's eyes, transforming this divine decree into a tragic consequence of Israel's own actions. The "courts" (Hebrew: *châtsêr*) refer to the various courtyards surrounding the central sanctuary, where much of the Temple's activity, including the very idolatrous practices that provoked God's wrath, took place. The judgment commencing at the Temple reflects a common ancient Near Eastern understanding that a nation's gods would abandon a defiled sanctuary before its destruction, but here it is God Himself initiating the process.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute intolerance for sin and His unwavering commitment to His own pure and holy character. The shocking command to defile the Temple highlights the theme of **Desecration and Spiritual Apostasy**, illustrating that Israel's unfaithfulness had so thoroughly corrupted their relationship with God that even His sanctuary was no longer holy ground but a designated site for judgment. This represents a stark reversal of the Temple's intended purpose as a place of worship and atonement, as exemplified by the rituals described in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). Furthermore, the immediate execution of the command underscores **God's Sovereignty and Immutability in Judgment**, demonstrating that His word is effective and His decrees are carried out without delay, a concept also profoundly articulated in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). The verse also subtly reinforces the theme of **Remnant**, as the judgment is precise, sparing those marked by God in [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Preservation"), setting them apart from the general destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Defile (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** From H2930, this primitive root means "to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated); defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, utterly." In Ezekiel 9:7, God's command to actively "defile" His own house is profoundly shocking and counter-intuitive. This is not merely a passive state of uncleanness but an active, divinely sanctioned act that underscores the extent to which the Temple had already been polluted by human sin. The command signifies that the Temple's sanctity had been so utterly violated by Israel's idolatry and moral corruption that God Himself would now allow its desecration as an act of judgment, rendering it no longer holy in His eyes but rather a testament to their unfaithfulness.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this word primarily means "a house," but carries a wide variation of applications, including "family," "palace," and significantly, "temple." In this context, *bayith* unequivocally refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the sacred dwelling place of God among His people. The command to defile *this specific house* with the slain is a powerful symbolic act, indicating that the very center of Israel's religious life and national identity was no longer immune to God's judgment but was, in fact, the starting point of His wrath due to its profound corruption. Its transformation from a sanctuary to a slaughterhouse dramatically illustrates the consequences of spiritual apostasy.
* **Slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From H2491, this term means "pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted; kill, profane, slain (man), slew, (deadly) wounded." The use of *châlâl* here emphasizes that the defilement of the Temple and its courts would be through the violent deaths of those judged by God. It implies a widespread and deadly slaughter, transforming the sacred space into a gruesome scene of divine retribution. This term vividly conveys the horror and finality of the judgment, directly linking the people's profanation of God's covenant and His sanctuary to their violent demise within its very precincts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain"**: This clause conveys God's direct and explicit command to the agents of judgment. The "he" refers to the Lord, who is giving precise instructions to the six men with slaughter weapons. The imperative "Defile" (H2930, *ṭâmêʼ*) is profoundly shocking, as it is God Himself commanding the profanation of His own Temple (H1004, *bayith*). This is not an act of enemy desecration, but a divine decree, illustrating that the Temple's holiness had been so compromised by Israel's sin that God Himself would now remove its sanctity through judgment. The command to "fill the courts" (H2691, *châtsêr*, referring to the Temple courtyards) "with the slain" (H2491, *châlâl*) indicates a massive, horrific slaughter within the sacred precincts, turning the place of worship into a graveyard, a direct consequence of the people's pervasive idolatry.
* **"go ye forth"**: This short, sharp, and immediate command serves as the directive for the executioners to commence their work. "Go ye forth" (H3318, *yâtsâʼ*) implies a swift and decisive movement from their position, likely within the Temple area, to carry out the judgment. It highlights the urgency, inevitability, and divine authority behind God's decree, leaving no room for delay or negotiation.
* **"And they went forth, and slew in the city"**: This clause describes the immediate and complete obedience of the divine executioners. The repetition of "went forth" (H3318, *yâtsâʼ*) underscores their prompt and unhesitating action. The phrase "slew in the city" (H5221, *nâkâh*, to strike/kill; H5892, *ʻîyr*, city) indicates that while the command began with the Temple, the judgment quickly extended throughout Jerusalem. This demonstrates the pervasive nature of the sin that had infected not just the sanctuary but the entire urban population, and thus, the comprehensive scope of God's righteous wrath. The judgment is not confined to the Temple but spills out into the streets, affecting all who had participated in or tolerated the abominations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 9:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its grim and impactful message. **Irony** is profoundly prominent, as God, the very source of all holiness and the one who established the Temple as His sacred dwelling, commands its defilement. This shocking reversal underscores the depth of Israel's spiritual corruption, implying that their actions had already rendered the Temple unholy in God's eyes, making divine desecration a logical and just consequence rather than an arbitrary act. The verse also utilizes potent **Symbolism**, where the "house" and "courts" represent not just physical structures but the spiritual heart of Israel and the very essence of their covenant relationship with God. Their defilement with the "slain" symbolizes the complete breakdown of that relationship and the catastrophic, deadly consequences of persistent rebellion against divine holiness. The swift, declarative sentences, "go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city," create a powerful sense of **Urgency and Inevitability**, emphasizing the immediate, unyielding, and unstoppable nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, the stark **Contrast** between the Temple's intended purpose as a sanctuary of life, worship, and atonement and its transformation into a site of death, defilement, and divine retribution further amplifies the horror and severity of the divine wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 9:7 is a stark theological statement on God's absolute holiness and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when it involves His own chosen people and sacred institutions. It reveals that persistent sin, particularly idolatry and spiritual apostasy, leads inevitably to divine abandonment and severe judgment. The defilement of the Temple, commanded by God Himself, underscores the profound principle that outward religious forms and structures lose their sanctity and purpose when the hearts of the people are unholy and rebellious. God's judgment begins at His own house, signifying that those closest to Him, who have been given the most revelation and privilege, are held to the highest standard of accountability. This passage serves as a potent and timeless reminder that God's patience has limits, and His justice will ultimately prevail against all unrighteousness, demanding genuine repentance and purity from His people.

* [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins at the House of God")
* [Psalm 78:58-60](/psalm/78-58-60 "Psalm 78:58-60 - God Forsakes Shiloh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 9:7 serves as a sobering mirror, reflecting God's profound intolerance for sin and His unwavering commitment to holiness. It challenges us to examine the "temples" in our own lives—our individual hearts, our homes, our local churches, and our broader communities—and honestly ask if they are truly consecrated to God or if they have been subtly defiled by compromise, idolatry (whether overt or covert), or spiritual apathy. The verse powerfully reminds us that outward religious observance, rituals, or even grand structures mean nothing if our inner lives are not genuinely consecrated to God. It calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to confess and repent of any "abominations" that have taken root, lest we, too, experience the consequences of divine displeasure. This passage is not merely a historical account of ancient Israel's downfall but a timeless warning about the seriousness of sin and the absolute necessity of genuine repentance and spiritual purity in the lives of God's people. It compels us to live lives that truly honor God, recognizing that His holy presence demands our utmost reverence, obedience, and sincere devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently "defiling the house" of God through subtle forms of idolatry, compromise, or spiritual negligence?**
* **How does the immediate and uncompromising execution of judgment in this verse challenge my understanding of God's patience versus His justice and the consequences of unrepentant sin?**
* **What specific "abominations" (sins) in my personal life or within the church today might be provoking God's displeasure, and how can I actively participate in their removal and the pursuit of true holiness?**

### FAQ

**What does "Defile the house" mean in this context, given it's God's command?**

Answer: The command to "Defile the house" (referring to the Temple) is profoundly ironic and shocking. It does not mean God is inherently defiling Himself or His sanctuary. Instead, it signifies that the Temple had already been so thoroughly defiled by the pervasive idolatry, moral corruption, and abominable practices of the people (as meticulously detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple")) that it had lost its sacred status in God's eyes. God's command is an act of divine judgment, a formal declaration and execution of the Temple's abandonment and desecration as a direct consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness. It illustrates that the physical structure, though once holy, no longer retained its sanctity because the people had violated the covenant it represented. Thus, God commands its defilement as a righteous act of purification through judgment, removing His presence from a place that no longer honored Him and transforming it into a monument to their sin.

**Why does the judgment begin at the Temple and then extend to the city?**

Answer: The judgment beginning at the Temple and then extending to the city is highly symbolic and theologically significant, reflecting a divine principle. The Temple was the spiritual heart of Israel, the place where God's glory dwelt and where His covenant people were meant to worship Him in purity. When corruption and idolatry permeated the very sanctuary, it indicated a complete breakdown of the nation's spiritual integrity from its core. As [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins at the House of God") states, "For it is time for judgment to begin at the house of God." This principle holds true in Ezekiel: if the place meant to be most holy is defiled, then the entire nation is morally bankrupt. The extension of the slaughter to the "city" (Jerusalem) signifies that the sin was not confined to the religious elite or the Temple staff but had permeated the entire society. God's judgment is comprehensive, addressing the root of the problem and its widespread manifestations, demonstrating that no part of a sinful society is exempt from His righteous wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 9:7, with its grim depiction of judgment commencing at the defiled Temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repeated destruction of a physical edifice, but in the profound spiritual reality inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The defilement of the Old Testament Temple, a tragic consequence of human sin, foreshadows the ultimate "defilement" that sin brought upon all humanity, necessitating a radical divine intervention. Jesus, as the true and ultimate Temple of God ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), became the very locus of God's presence among humanity. Yet, He willingly allowed Himself to be "slain" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")) outside the city gates ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")) to purify not a building, but humanity itself. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of divine judgment against sin, where He, the sinless "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")), bore the defilement and wrath that humanity deserved. Through His death and resurrection, He established a new covenant, making believers themselves "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Spirit")). The judgment that began at the physical house in Ezekiel now culminates in the spiritual judgment of sin in Christ, offering purification and new life to all who believe. The "slain" in Ezekiel represented those under God's wrath, but in Christ, the "slain" Lamb brings reconciliation and cleansing, transforming human hearts from defiled structures to dwelling places of God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")).

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

2 Chronicles 36:17

Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave [them] all into his hand.

Ezekiel 7:20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

Ezekiel 7:22

My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret [place]: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it.

Lamentations 2:4

He hath bent his bow like an enemy: he stood with his right hand as an adversary, and slew all [that were] pleasant to the eye in the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion: he poured out his fury like fire.

Lamentations 2:7

The Lord hath cast off his altar, he hath abhorred his sanctuary, he hath given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast.

Luke 13:1

¶ There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

Psalms 79:1

¶ A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.