Ezekiel 9:3 - The glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub, whereupon it was, to the threshold of the house; and he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn by his side.

Generated Verse: Ezekiel 9:3

What does "Ezekiel 9:3" mean?


This verse from Ezekiel 9:3 is a pivotal moment in a vision of judgment and mercy. Let's break down what it signifies:

"The glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub, whereupon it was...": The "glory of the God of Israel" represents God's manifest presence, power, and holiness. Previously, God's glory had been residing above a cherub (a powerful angelic being) within the temple. This phrase indicates that God's presence is leaving its place within the temple, specifically moving from the cherub to the threshold (doorway) of the house. This is a critical symbol of God's departure from the temple due to the idolatry and wickedness that had defiled it. It signals impending judgment and the withdrawal of divine protection.

"...to the threshold of the house...": The "threshold" is a liminal space, a boundary between the inside and the outside. By moving to the threshold, God's glory is positioned to depart entirely. It signifies a final opportunity for repentance before judgment is fully unleashed. The threshold also serves as a visible marker of the departure.

"...and he called to the man clothed in linen, who had the writer's inkhorn by his side.": The "man clothed in linen" is an angelic figure, possibly representing divine mercy or justice. Linen is often associated with purity and righteousness. The "writer's inkhorn" is a container for ink, signifying the ability to record or mark. This man is about to receive a crucial assignment from God: to mark those who grieve and lament over the sins of the city of Jerusalem so they will be spared during the coming destruction.

In essence, this verse is a critical transition point in Ezekiel's vision:

God's Withdrawal: It marks the beginning of God's departure from the defiled temple, symbolizing the removal of His protection and blessing.
Impending Judgment: It foreshadows the judgment that is about to befall Jerusalem because of its sins.
A Sign of Mercy: It introduces a glimmer of hope, suggesting that some will be spared God's wrath based on their righteousness and sorrow for sin.

In short, it's a powerful image of God's justice and mercy intersecting at a moment of crisis for the people of Israel. The verse is a prelude to the marking of the righteous and the subsequent slaughter of those who remain unrepentant, depicting a selective judgment based on individual moral standing.