Ezekiel 9:3-4
“The Glory of the God of Israel ascended from his usual place above the cherubim-angels, moved to the threshold of the Temple, and called to the man with the writing case who was dressed in linen: ‘Go through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the forehead of everyone who is in anguish over the outrageous obscenities being done in the city.’”
“Then the glory of the Lord of Israel rose up from between the cherubim, where it had rested, and moved to the entrance of the Temple. And the Lord called to the man dressed in linen who was carrying the writer’s case. He said to him, ‘Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city.’”
Verses 1 & 2 say executioners accompanied the man in linen. In the rest of the chapter God directs them to go throughout the city killing everyone except those with the mark on their forehead. Even as this scene of unbelievable carnage spreads through the city God provides for the remaining few who love him still. They are spared to go into exile in Babylon. There God will shape them into a people that will never forsake him again.
The man in linen acts as a priest, standing between God’s wrath and the faithful. He knows his own, who to mark. Would we be surprised at who they are? Probably. Only he knows their heart and in an environment of fear and deception few wear their heart on their sleeve.
Lord, thank you for the comfort in this passage. You know me, a speck in the universe. How amazing! Your love is big enough to envelop all who long for you, even those who don’t know it yet. You are beautiful in the splendor of your faithfulness.