Ezekiel
Now the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub, where it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed with linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn at his side; and the LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.” Ezekiel 9:3-4
As the glory of the LORD was departing, He gave the command to the executioners, “Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity. Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women…and begin at My sanctuary.” (Ezekiel 9:5-6) Truly “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) The judgment began at God’s sanctuary with the priests and elders who were leading the people away from God.
But first God sent the man clothed with linen with a writer’s inkhorn at his side to go throughout the city and put a mark on the foreheads of everyone who lamented about the wickedness and unbelief of the city. The executioners were commanded not to touch anyone who had the mark. God protects His own!
The fulfillment was truly remarkable. Remember this was a vision. There was no visible mark on anyone. The Babylonian soldiers were the executioners. They ran through the streets of Jerusalem doing what God described, killing all in their path, not having pity on any. Yet, miraculously, those who feared the LORD were spared. God protected them. Truly “The LORD knows them that are His.” (2 Timothy 2:19) He is able to protect His own even in the midst of the most fearful judgment.
Gracious Father, we know your judgment upon the earth is imminent. Yet we will not fear, for our lives are in your hands. Your Son has cleansed us of all our sins and put His mark upon us as your own. Thank you. Amen.