The term "slaughter-weapon" is primarily associated with the prophetic vision of Ezekiel, found in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 9. This term is used to describe the instruments of divine judgment wielded by the agents of God's wrath. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, these weapons symbolize the impending judgment upon Jerusalem due to the people's persistent idolatry and abominations.

Biblical Context

In Ezekiel 9:1-2 , the prophet records, "Then He called out in my hearing with a loud voice, saying, 'Draw near, O executioners of the city, each with a weapon of destruction in his hand.' And I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate, which faces north, each with a weapon of slaughter in his hand. Among them was a man clothed in linen, with a writing kit at his side. They came in and stood beside the bronze altar."

The "slaughter-weapon" here is a metaphorical representation of the divine instruments of judgment. The six men, often interpreted as angelic beings or agents of God's justice, are tasked with executing judgment upon the city of Jerusalem. The presence of the man clothed in linen, who carries a writing kit, signifies the recording and marking of those who lament over the abominations committed in the city, sparing them from the impending destruction.

Theological Significance

The use of the term "slaughter-weapon" underscores the seriousness of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. It serves as a stark reminder of the holiness and justice of God, who cannot tolerate iniquity. The vision given to Ezekiel highlights the principle that divine judgment is both inevitable and righteous when a people persist in their disobedience and idolatry.

The passage also emphasizes the concept of divine mercy amidst judgment. The man clothed in linen marks those who grieve over the sins of the city, indicating that God recognizes and preserves the righteous even in times of widespread judgment. This dual theme of judgment and mercy is a recurring motif throughout the Scriptures, illustrating God's desire for repentance and His provision of salvation for those who turn to Him.

Historical and Cultural Context

Ezekiel's vision occurs during the Babylonian exile, a period of great turmoil and distress for the people of Judah. The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians was a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings given by Ezekiel and other prophets. The "slaughter-weapon" thus serves as a vivid image of the impending doom that awaited the city due to its spiritual apostasy.

In the broader cultural context, the imagery of divine agents wielding weapons of judgment would have resonated with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine retribution. The vision communicates the message that God is sovereign over the nations and that His decrees are executed with precision and authority.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the concept of the "slaughter-weapon" serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of divine judgment. It calls Christians to examine their own lives, ensuring that they are living in accordance with God's will and not falling into patterns of sin and idolatry. The passage encourages believers to intercede for their communities, seeking God's mercy and grace for those who have not yet turned to Him.

Furthermore, the vision of Ezekiel 9 challenges believers to trust in God's justice and His ultimate plan for redemption. It reassures them that, even in times of judgment, God is attentive to the cries of the righteous and is faithful to preserve those who are devoted to Him.Slaughter-weapon (1 Occurrence)

Ezekiel 9:2
And behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth towards the north, and every man a slaughter-weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in and stood beside the brazen altar.
(WBS YLT)

Slaughter-weapon (1 Occurrence)
Slaughter-weapon. Slaughters, Slaughter-weapon. Slave . Multi-Version
Concordance Slaughter-weapon (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ...
/s/slaughter-weapon.htm - 6k

Kit (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:2 Behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which lies toward
the north, every man with his slaughterweapon in his hand; and one man in ...
/k/kit.htm - 7k

Writer's (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:2 Behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which lies toward
the north, every man with his slaughterweapon in his hand; and one man in ...
/w/writer's.htm - 7k

Inkhorn (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:2 Behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which lies toward
the north, every man with his slaughterweapon in his hand; and one man in ...
/i/inkhorn.htm - 10k

Ink-horn (3 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:2 And behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which is turned
toward the north, and every man with his slaughterweapon in his hand; and ...
/i/ink-horn.htm - 9k

Brasen (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:2 And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth
toward the north, and every man a slaughterweapon in his hand; and one man ...
/b/brasen.htm - 8k

Armour (32 Occurrences)
... The "maul" (Proverbs 25:18; cognate Hebrew word rendered "battle-axe" in Jeremiah
51:20, and "slaughterweapon" in Ezek. 9:2) was a war-hammer or martel. ...
/a/armour.htm - 20k

Slaughters (3 Occurrences)

/s/slaughters.htm - 7k

Scribe's (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:2 And lo, six men are coming from the way of the upper gate, that is facing
the north, and each his slaughter-weapon in his hand, and one man in ...
/s/scribe's.htm - 8k

Shattering (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 9:2 Behold, six men came from the way of the upper gate, which lies toward
the north, every man with his slaughterweapon in his hand; and one man in ...
/s/shattering.htm - 8k

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