Ezekiel 9:11
And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.
Original Language Analysis
הָאִ֣ישׁ׀
And behold the man
H376
הָאִ֣ישׁ׀
And behold the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 13
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)
לְבֻ֣שׁ
clothed
H3847
לְבֻ֣שׁ
clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַקֶּ֙סֶת֙
which had the inkhorn
H7083
הַקֶּ֙סֶת֙
which had the inkhorn
Strong's:
H7083
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, a cup, i.e., an ink-stand
בְּמָתְנָ֔יו
by his side
H4975
בְּמָתְנָ֔יו
by his side
Strong's:
H4975
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
מֵשִׁ֥יב
reported
H7725
מֵשִׁ֥יב
reported
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 13
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
דָּבָ֖ר
the matter
H1697
דָּבָ֖ר
the matter
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
9 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
עָשִׂ֕יתִי
I have done
H6213
עָשִׂ֕יתִי
I have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The completion report provides assurance that God's purposes will be accomplished exactly as decreed. In the actual historical judgment (586 BC), a remnant survived through various means—Babylonian protection, hiding, or providential preservation. The vision explains this survival theologically: God marked and preserved His grieved remnant. The same God who faithfully executed judgment also faithfully preserved the marked—both aspects of His word proved utterly reliable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the completion report demonstrate that God accomplishes exactly what He decrees?
- What assurance does this provide that God knows and preserves His true people through judgment?
- In what ways does divine thoroughness (completing the marking before destruction) reveal God's justice and mercy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me." The marking angel reports completion of his protective task. This demonstrates divine thoroughness—before destruction proceeds, God ensures every marked person is secured. The report "I have done as thou hast commanded" shows angelic obedience and accountability. God's servants execute His commands precisely, neither exceeding nor falling short. The completed marking guarantees the remnant's preservation through coming judgment—none whom God marks will be lost.