Ezekiel 9:8

KJV

And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, while they were slaying {H5221} them, and I was left {H7604}, that I fell {H5307} upon my face {H6440}, and cried {H2199}, and said {H559}, Ah {H162} Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}! wilt thou destroy {H7843} all the residue {H7611} of Israel {H3478} in thy pouring out {H8210} of thy fury {H2534} upon Jerusalem {H3389}?

Complete Jewish Bible

While the killing was going on, I was left alone. I fell on my face, cried, and said, "Oh, Adonai ELOHIM! In pouring out your fury on Yerushalayim, are you going to destroy everyone left in Isra'el?"

Berean Standard Bible

While they were killing, I was left alone. And I fell facedown and cried out, “Oh, Lord GOD, when You pour out Your wrath on Jerusalem, will You destroy the entire remnant of Israel?”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, while they were smiting, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord Jehovah! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy wrath upon Jerusalem?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 9:8 presents a profoundly dramatic and poignant moment within the prophet's vision of God's severe judgment upon Jerusalem. As the divine executioners begin their work, striking down those who lack the protective mark, Ezekiel finds himself uniquely spared, an eyewitness to the unfolding devastation. Overwhelmed by the horror, he falls prostrate in desperate supplication, crying out to the Lord with an anguished question: will God utterly destroy "all the residue of Israel" in the full outpouring of His divine fury upon the city? This powerful intercession encapsulates the prophet's deep compassion for his people, highlights the unyielding nature of God's justice against sin, and introduces the enduring tension between divine wrath and the hope of a surviving remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a harrowing prophetic vision that spans [Ezekiel chapters 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8-11 - Vision of Judgment and Glory"). In [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"), the prophet is transported in vision to Jerusalem, where he is shown the rampant idolatry and spiritual abominations being committed within the very precincts of the temple, even by the elders of Israel. [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - The Slaughter of the Unmarked") then vividly depicts the immediate divine response to this defilement: six executioners are dispatched, accompanied by a man clothed in linen tasked with marking those who genuinely grieve over the city's sins ([Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Protection")). The judgment commences swiftly thereafter, starting with the elders in the temple, signifying that sin had corrupted the very heart of religious life and leadership. Ezekiel 9:8 occurs precisely as this terrifying slaughter begins, with the prophet himself "left" (i.e., miraculously spared from the initial wave of judgment), prompting his anguished cry and intercession. This moment serves as a pivotal point before God's subsequent reassurance regarding the preservation of a remnant and the solemn departure of His glory from the temple in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezekiel's prophecy are set against the grim backdrop of Judah's impending and then actual destruction by the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Ezekiel, already exiled to Babylon in 597 BC with the first wave of captives, receives these visions while far from Jerusalem, yet they powerfully underscore the spiritual reality of the city's dire condition. Jerusalem was under siege, and its ultimate fall in 586 BC was imminent. The people of Judah, including their leaders, had repeatedly broken the covenant with Yahweh through pervasive idolatry, social injustice, and a misguided reliance on foreign alliances rather than on God's protection. The temple, once the sacred symbol of God's presence and protection, had become utterly defiled by pagan practices, as graphically portrayed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). In the ancient Near East, falling on one's face was a common posture of profound humility, submission, and desperate supplication in the presence of deity or overwhelming authority, reflecting Ezekiel's deep distress and reverence before the Lord, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty even in judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 9:8 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. It starkly highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against persistent sin and rebellion, particularly against a people who had repeatedly rejected His covenant. The vivid imagery of "pouring out of thy fury" signifies a complete and decisive act of divine justice. Simultaneously, Ezekiel's desperate question, "wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel?", introduces the profound biblical theme of **The Remnant**. He fears a complete annihilation, but God's redemptive plan often includes preserving a faithful or surviving portion, even amidst widespread destruction, a concept vital for understanding Israel's future hope as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Shall Return"). Furthermore, Ezekiel's immediate response of falling on his face and crying out exemplifies the theme of **Intercessory Prayer**. This act, though seemingly small in the face of such overwhelming judgment, demonstrates the prophet's deep compassion for his people and his crucial role as a mediator, echoing the [intercession of Moses for Israel](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel") or [Abraham's plea for Sodom](/genesis/18-23-33 "Genesis 18:23-33 - Abraham's Plea for Sodom"). Finally, despite the severity of the judgment, the vision powerfully underscores **God's Sovereignty** and ultimate control over both destruction and preservation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ah (Hebrew, _ʼăhâhh'_):** (H162) This is an interjection expressing deep pain, lament, distress, or urgent appeal. It conveys a profound sense of anguish, shock, and desperation on the part of the prophet, revealing his emotional turmoil and spiritual agony as he witnesses the divine judgment. It is not merely a question but a visceral cry of profound suffering and urgent entreaty.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** (H7843) This verb means "to decay, ruin, corrupt, mar, perish, waste." It implies utter devastation, total annihilation, and complete moral or physical ruin. Ezekiel's use of this word highlights his most profound fear: that God's judgment will be so comprehensive and unsparing that no part of Israel, not even a remnant, will survive the impending catastrophe.
* **fury (Hebrew, _chêmâh'_):** (H2534) This noun refers literally to "heat," and figuratively to "anger, indignation, poison, rage, wrath." When applied to God, as it is here, it denotes His righteous, intense, and consuming anger against sin and rebellion. The phrase "pouring out of thy fury" vividly depicts a full, unrestrained, and overwhelming release of divine wrath, like a liquid being poured out without reservation or abatement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left":** This opening clause immediately plunges the reader into the midst of the terrifying divine judgment. The "they" refers to the six angelic executioners dispatched by God, actively engaged in their grim task of slaughtering the inhabitants of Jerusalem who lacked the divine mark. Ezekiel, the prophet, is positioned as a unique eyewitness, having been "left" or spared from the initial wave of destruction. This miraculous preservation intensifies his personal experience of the horror and directly prompts his subsequent desperate reaction and intercession. His survival places him in a unique, albeit agonizing, position to plead for his people.
* **"that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said":** This describes Ezekiel's immediate and profound physical and verbal response to the unfolding catastrophe. Falling upon his face is a posture of ultimate humility, reverence, and utter distress, a common biblical expression of prayer and supplication in the face of overwhelming divine power, sorrow, or a sense of personal unworthiness. His "cried, and said" indicates an immediate, anguished verbal outburst, a desperate plea born of deep emotional and spiritual anguish, signifying a profound internal struggle and a direct address to God.
* **"Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?":** This is the heart of Ezekiel's intercession and lament, a profound question born of agony. The exclamation "Ah Lord GOD!" (Hebrew: _ʼăhâhh ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih_) expresses both his intense pain and his recognition of God's sovereign authority (Adonai) and covenant faithfulness (YHWH). The core question, "wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel," reveals his profound fear that the judgment will be so complete that not even a "residue" or surviving portion of God's chosen people will remain. The phrase "in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem" vividly depicts the full, unrestrained, and overwhelming nature of God's righteous wrath being unleashed upon the city, which had become a symbol of rebellion and defilement, leaving no doubt about the severity of the divine action.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 9:8 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The prophet's act of falling upon his face and crying out is a powerful instance of **Pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for Ezekiel's anguish and the dire situation of Jerusalem, drawing the reader into the emotional intensity of the scene. His question, "wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel?", functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not primarily seeking a literal yes/no answer but expressing profound distress, disbelief, and a desperate plea for mercy, while also serving to prompt a divine response regarding the extent of the judgment. The vivid imagery of "pouring out of thy fury" is a striking **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (pouring) to God's wrath, making the abstract concept of divine anger tangible, forceful, and overwhelming, suggesting an overflowing, unrestrained release. Furthermore, Ezekiel's role here is one of **Intercession**, where he stands as a mediator between God and his people, despite their profound sin, embodying the prophetic tradition of pleading for mercy on behalf of a rebellious nation. The mention of "all the residue of Israel" might also contain an element of **Hyperbole**, expressing the prophet's overwhelming fear that the judgment is so severe it threatens total annihilation, even though God's ultimate plan always includes the preservation of a remnant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 9:8 stands as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the terrifying reality of divine judgment, yet it simultaneously introduces the profound theological theme of the remnant. Ezekiel's anguished cry underscores God's absolute holiness and unwavering justice, demonstrating that persistent rebellion, even from His chosen people, will inevitably incur His righteous wrath. However, the prophet's very act of intercession, born of deep compassion and a profound understanding of God's covenant promises, subtly hints at the possibility of a surviving portion. This tension between comprehensive judgment and the preservation of a remnant is central to Old Testament theology, assuring that God's purposes will ultimately prevail and His covenant promises will find fulfillment, even if through a purified, smaller group.

* [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - A Holy Seed Remains")
* [Amos 9:8-9](/amos/9-8-9 "Amos 9:8-9 - The Remnant Preserved")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - A Remnant Chosen by Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 9:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to confront the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's righteous judgment, while also inspiring us to compassion and intercession. The prophet's visceral reaction to the unfolding judgment serves as a powerful reminder that God is not indifferent to sin; His justice is a terrifying, yet necessary, aspect of His holy character. This should prompt us to examine our own lives and communities for any forms of spiritual compromise, idolatry, or unfaithfulness that might invite divine displeasure. Moreover, Ezekiel's immediate response of falling on his face and crying out models the critical role of intercessory prayer. Even in the face of seemingly irreversible judgment, the fervent prayer of a righteous person can have an impact, demonstrating a heart that grieves over sin and pleads for mercy. This encourages us to engage in earnest prayer for our families, churches, communities, and nations, standing in the gap for those who are spiritually lost or facing the consequences of their choices. Finally, the underlying hope for a "residue" reminds us that even in the darkest times, God remains faithful to His promises, preserving a remnant for His purposes, which should foster profound hope and trust in His ultimate plan of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel's desperate plea challenge my understanding of God's justice and mercy in the face of sin?**
* **What role does intercessory prayer play in my response to the suffering or spiritual decline I observe in the world around me?**
* **In what ways do I trust God's faithfulness to preserve a "remnant" or work His redemptive purposes, even amidst widespread brokenness or judgment?**

### FAQ

**Why does Ezekiel fear "all the residue" will be destroyed?**

Answer: Ezekiel's fear that "all the residue" of Israel would be destroyed stemmed from the overwhelming severity and comprehensiveness of the judgment he was witnessing. He had just seen the divine executioners begin their work, striking down those in Jerusalem who lacked the mark of protection, starting even with the elders in the temple ([Ezekiel 9:4-7](/ezekiel/9-4-7 "Ezekiel 9:4-7 - The Mark and the Slaughter")). The scale of the divine fury was so immense and indiscriminate in its initial phase that it appeared to the prophet that no one would be spared, leading to his anguished cry. His question reflects a deep anguish and a natural human fear in the face of overwhelming divine wrath, rather than a theological assertion that God would utterly annihilate all. It is a cry of profound distress and a desperate plea for God to remember His covenant people, even amidst deserved punishment.

**How does Ezekiel's intercession compare to other biblical figures?**

Answer: Ezekiel's intercession in [Ezekiel 9:8](/ezekiel/9-8 "Ezekiel 9:8 - Ezekiel's Intercession") powerfully echoes the passionate pleas of other biblical figures who stood in the gap for their people. Most notably, [Moses interceded for Israel](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel") after the golden calf incident, pleading with God not to destroy them and reminding Him of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Similarly, [Abraham pleaded with God for Sodom](/genesis/18-23-33 "Genesis 18:23-33 - Abraham's Plea for Sodom"), seeking to find righteous individuals to spare the city from destruction. While the immediate outcome for Jerusalem was different than for Israel in the wilderness (where Moses' plea averted immediate destruction), Ezekiel's act demonstrates the prophet's compassionate heart, his deep identification with his people, and his vital role as a spiritual watchman and advocate for them before God. These intercessions highlight the biblical principle that God invites His people to participate in His redemptive purposes through prayer, even when judgment is justly deserved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's anguished cry in [Ezekiel 9:8](/ezekiel/9-8 "Ezekiel 9:8 - Ezekiel's Intercession") finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Ezekiel's role as an intercessor, pleading for a remnant amidst divine wrath, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate intercessory work of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel's plea was for a physical remnant of Israel, Christ stands as our eternal High Priest, continuously interceding for His people before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")). He is the one who truly stands in the gap, not just for a nation, but for all who believe, ensuring their salvation. Secondly, the "residue of Israel" for whom Ezekiel pleads finds its truest and most expansive fulfillment in the spiritual remnant, the Church, gathered from every tribe and nation through Christ's atoning work. As Paul explains in [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - A Remnant Shall Be Saved") and [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - A Remnant Chosen by Grace"), God has always preserved a remnant by grace, and this remnant now encompasses all who are in Christ, the true Israel of God. Finally, Ezekiel's fear of God's "pouring out of thy fury" upon Jerusalem points to the ultimate outpouring of divine wrath against human sin, which was not poured out on a city or a people in their entirety, but upon Christ Himself on the cross. On Calvary, Jesus bore the full weight of God's righteous anger against humanity's sin ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")), so that all who believe in Him might be spared from that wrath and receive reconciliation and eternal life ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justified by His Blood")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision of judgment ultimately points to the greater salvation found in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

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

Ezekiel 11:13

And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

Ezekiel 4:14

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

Joshua 7:6

¶ And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.

1 Chronicles 21:16

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

Numbers 14:5

¶ Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

Numbers 16:45

Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

Genesis 18:23

¶ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?