Ezekiel 9:3

Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side.

Study Bible

Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim
This phrase refers to the Shekinah glory, the visible manifestation of God's presence, which was traditionally associated with the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. The cherubim are angelic beings that are often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the Ark itself (Exodus 25:18-22). The movement of God's glory signifies a significant shift, indicating divine displeasure and impending judgment. This event foreshadows the departure of God's presence from the temple, a theme that is further developed in Ezekiel 10.

where it had been
This indicates the previous resting place of God's glory, emphasizing the stability and permanence that was expected of God's presence among His people. The Holy of Holies was the most sacred part of the temple, symbolizing God's covenant relationship with Israel. The departure from this place suggests a breach in that relationship due to the people's idolatry and sin.

and moved to the threshold of the temple
The threshold represents a transitional space, symbolizing the boundary between the sacred and the profane. God's movement to the threshold suggests a readiness to leave the temple entirely, highlighting the seriousness of Israel's spiritual condition. This movement is a precursor to the eventual destruction of the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, as prophesied by Ezekiel and other prophets.

And He called to the man clothed in linen
The man clothed in linen is often interpreted as an angelic figure or a priestly representative, given the linen garments associated with priestly duties (Leviticus 16:4). Linen signifies purity and holiness, appropriate for a divine messenger tasked with executing God's judgment. This figure is reminiscent of the angelic beings in Daniel 10:5 and Revelation 15:6, who also wear linen.

who had the writing kit at his side
The writing kit indicates a role of recording or marking, suggesting a task of documentation or distinction. In the context of Ezekiel 9, this man is instructed to mark the foreheads of those who lament over the abominations in Jerusalem, signifying divine protection amidst judgment. This act parallels the sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation 7:3-4, where God's faithful are marked for preservation. The writing kit underscores the theme of divine justice and mercy, as God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Glory of the God of Israel
This refers to the divine presence and majesty of God, often associated with His holiness and power. In Hebrew, "glory" is "kavod," which signifies weightiness or importance.

2. Cherubim
These are angelic beings often depicted as guardians of the divine presence. In the context of the temple, they symbolize God's holiness and the separation between God and man.

3. The Threshold of the Temple
This is the entrance to the temple, symbolizing a transition point. The movement of God's glory to the threshold indicates a significant shift in His relationship with Israel.

4. The Man Clothed in Linen
This figure is often interpreted as an angelic being or a priestly figure, tasked with marking those who lament over the abominations in Jerusalem.

5. The Writing Kit
This tool signifies the authority to record or mark, symbolizing judgment and distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
God's glory moving from the cherubim to the threshold signifies His holiness and the seriousness of sin. We must approach God with reverence and recognize the gravity of sin in our lives.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
The presence of the man with the writing kit indicates that God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. This reminds us of God's justice and His mercy towards those who are faithful.

The Importance of Lament
Those marked for protection are those who lament over sin. This teaches us the importance of grieving over sin in our lives and in the world, aligning our hearts with God's righteousness.

God's Presence and Movement
The movement of God's glory signifies a change in His relationship with His people. We should be attentive to God's presence and responsive to His leading in our lives.

The Role of Intercession
The man clothed in linen can be seen as an intercessor. We are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap and praying for God's mercy and intervention.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the movement of God's glory in Ezekiel 9:3 reflect His response to the sin of the people, and what does this teach us about God's holiness?

2. In what ways can we lament over the sin in our lives and society today, and how does this align with the actions of the faithful in Ezekiel's vision?

3. How does the role of the man clothed in linen with the writing kit challenge us to consider our own role in interceding for others?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, as seen in the movement of His glory?

5. How do the themes of judgment and mercy in Ezekiel 9:3 connect with the broader account of Scripture, and how can we apply these themes to our understanding of God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:22
The cherubim are first mentioned in the context of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence would meet with Moses, highlighting the sacredness of God's glory.

Isaiah 6:1-4
Isaiah's vision of the Lord's glory in the temple parallels Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing God's holiness and the response of worship and awe.

Revelation 15:8
The temple being filled with the glory of God and no one being able to enter until the plagues are completed connects to the theme of divine judgment and presence.