Chapter Summary

Visions of the slaying in Jerusalem.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 9

1. Are the executioners and the man in linen angelic characters or symbolic characters? What evidence from the text suggests this?
2. What roles do the angelic characters play in this chapter? What other roles do we see angels playing in Scripture? How much information do we see the Bible giving us about angels? How should this inform how we view them? Should they be worshiped? Why or why not?
3. Based on the passage, were there still some among Israel that mourned over the sinfulness of the nation? How should this help us deal with the wickedness of our current generation?
4. Ezekiel 9:3 says that the "glory of the Lord had gone up from the cherub on which it had rested to the threshold of the house (ESV)." What does this mean? Why is it significant?
5. The angelic visitors stand at the bronze altar. What might be the importance of this location? What role did the bronze altar play in Israel? Is there something sick or problematic at the core of our Christianity?
6. How would you describe the judgement accomplished in this chapter? What does this tell us about the reality and severity of God's judgment? Give an example of a time in which you think that you personally experience God's discipline or judgement. What did you learn about your sin during this time?
7. Do you think this chapter could provide some motivation for evangelism? Why or why not? How does the severity and certainty of God's judgment on sinful man affect how we view our friendships? How does God's judgment help us to love our neighbor?
8. How might this passage provide motivation for faithfulness and endurance? Give some examples of times when you have had to endure hard circumstances? What helped you to endure these situations?
9. In 9:9, one of the sins of Israel is described as injustice. What kind of things could be described as injustice? What role does the church play in working for justice?
10. Do you see conflicts in the church concerning social justice issues? Which ones do you see as causing conflict? How should the church navigate these issues? What does the Bible say about these issues?

Key Words/Phrase

Day of recompense, v. 10.

Characters

God, Ezekiel, Christ.

Strong Verse(s)

10