Ezekiel Chapter 9 · Verse 1
He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
He cried
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֣א
He cried
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 12
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְאָזְנַ֗י
also in mine ears
H241
בְאָזְנַ֗י
also in mine ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
2 of 12
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
גָּדוֹל֙
with a loud
H1419
גָּדוֹל֙
with a loud
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
4 of 12
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
קָרְב֖וּ
to draw near
H7126
קָרְב֖וּ
to draw near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
6 of 12
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
פְּקֻדּ֣וֹת
Cause them that have charge
H6486
פְּקֻדּ֣וֹת
Cause them that have charge
Strong's:
H6486
Word #:
7 of 12
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
הָעִ֑יר
over the city
H5892
הָעִ֑יר
over the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
8 of 12
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְאִ֛ישׁ
even every man
H376
וְאִ֛ישׁ
even every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
כְּלִ֥י
weapon
H3627
כְּלִ֥י
weapon
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
10 of 12
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Cross References
Isaiah 6:8Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.Revelation 14:7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.1 Chronicles 21:15And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.2 Kings 10:24And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.
Historical Context
This vision (circa 592 BC) preceded Jerusalem's fall by six years, giving prophetic preview of coming judgment. The 'charge over the city' refers to angelic guardians or executioners implementing divine decree. Ancient Near Eastern theology recognized celestial beings executing divine will (2 Kings 19:35; Daniel 10:13, 20). When Babylon actually destroyed Jerusalem (586 BC), Ezekiel's vision was vindicated—what seemed symbolic horror became literal history, confirming God's word through His prophet.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God commanding destruction challenge views that He merely permits evil without active involvement?
- What does angelic execution of judgment teach about God using both spiritual and human instruments?
- In what ways should prophetic visions of judgment shape our urgency in evangelism?
Analysis & Commentary
He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. This begins Ezekiel's terrifying vision of Jerusalem's destruction. The loud divine cry summons executioners with "destroying weapons" (keli mashchito, כְּלִי מַשְׁחִתוֹ)—instruments of slaughter. These angelic agents execute God's judgment on the defiled city. The vision graphically portrays what will occur literally when Babylon conquers Jerusalem—divine orchestration of historical catastrophe. God doesn't passively allow destruction; He actively commands it against persistent covenant violation.