Ezekiel 9

Ezekiel 9:1

EVery man] In this vision, being a figure of what was done on earth. God speaks to his Angles, executioners of his judgments, by which are meant the Chaldeans, instruments of the Jewes destruction.

Ezekiel 9:2

Six men] namely, Angels in mens shapes, who with him that had the inkehorne were seven, a number much used in such commissions, Rev. 1. 4. and 5. 6. and 8. 2. Some have thought that by these six Angels were meant the six chiefe Commanders under the King of Babylon, who did invade and take Jerusalem, Ier. 39. 3. The higher gate] Every gate belonging to the courts of the temple had a portall belonging to it, which was a great building that had two overtures, with a gallery or entry between; one of these doores was towards the outward court, the other towards the inner court. Now the plaine on the outside being lower, the gate was likewise lower, and that of the inner court was higher, and they went up to it by steps, Ezekiel 40:18. See upon 2 Kings 15:32. Toward the North] To signifie Chaldea, which lay Northward from Judaea, from which place came the desolation which is here described,Ier. 1. 13.

One man] namely, a created Angell, Ezekiel 10:2. who amongst the rest was a Minister of grace, and therefore he is not here set forth armed, but in a Priestly habit Brazen Altar]namely, the Altar of burnt offerings, Exodus 27:2. Now these Angels doe here present themselves, as it were to receive their commission from God comming out of his temple.

Ezekiel 9:3

The glory] namely, the sonne of God appearing upon the chariot, which was the Throne of glory, Ezek. 1. 3. and 3. 23. Seene by the Ptophet in the court, as visiting his house, and the Jewes iniquities in it, Ezekiel 8:4. Now he comes out to the gate of the temple for to pronounce the sentence Was gone up] The Italian, raised it selfe. It is not likely that the Sonne of God did goe off from the chariot; but the meaning is, that he raised himselfe above the Cherubims, which were about the chariot, and by that motion gave the Cherubims, and all that frame warning, for to move. See Ezech. 1. 11. 20, and 10. 4 And he] the Italian, and the Lord; namely, the Sonne of God, who sate upon the Throne, Ezeh. 1. 26.

Ezekiel 9:4

Set a marke] All this happened in vision, for a figure of the distinction which God makes in his generall judgements, between his elect, beleevers, and the wicked.

Ezekiel 9:6

At my] namely, at the Priests and other sacred Officers, who had defiled themselves with idolatry, Ezech. 8. 11, 16.

Ezekiel 9:7

Defile] make a slaughter there, and beare no respect to the holy place; For according to the Law, a place was defiled by a dead carkasse, or by bloud spilt therein.

Ezekiel 9:9

Perversenesse] the Italian, Of going astray] namely, from Gods pure service, and from all manner of righteousnesse. Others, revolt.]