EGW WritingsEzekiel 9

Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White

Chapter 32—Preparing for the Judgment

CET 185.2

“And He called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others He said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” Ezekiel 9:1, 3-6.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

The Seal of God

2TT 62.2

“And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” Ezekiel 9:1, 3-6.

Maranatha

God Intervenes in Armageddon, October 15

Mar 296.3

The mark of deliverance has been set upon those “that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done.” Now the angel of death goes forth, represented in Ezekiel’s vision by the men with the slaughtering weapons, to whom the command is given: “Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.” Says the prophet: “They began at the ancient men which were before the house.” Ezekiel 9:1-6. The work of destruction begins among those who have professed to be the spiritual guardians of the people. The false watchmen are the first to fall. There are none to pity or to spare. Men, women, maidens, and little children perish together.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 41—Desolation of the Earth

GC 656.2

The mark of deliverance has been set upon those “that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done.” Now the angel of death goes forth, represented in Ezekiel’s vision by the men with the slaughtering weapons, to whom the command is given: “Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.” Says the prophet: “They began at the ancient men which were before the house.” Ezekiel 9:1-6. The work of destruction begins among those who have professed to be the spiritual guardians of the people. The false watchmen are the first to fall. There are none to pity or to spare. Men, women, maidens, and little children perish together.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 41—Desolation of the Earth

GC88 656.2

The mark of deliverance has been set upon those “that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done.” Now the angel of death goes forth, represented in Ezekiel’s vision by the men with the slaughtering weapons, to whom the command is given: “Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.” Says the prophet, “They began at the ancient men which were before the house.” [Ezekiel 9:1-6.] The work of destruction begins among those who have professed to be the spiritual guardians of the people. The false watchmen are the first to fall. There are none to pity or to spare. Men, women, maidens, and little children perish together.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 158—To A. R. Henry

1888 1303.1

The Lord reads the heart as an open book. The men who are not connected with God have done many things after the imagination of their own evil hearts. The Lord declares concerning them, “They have turned unto Me their back, and not the face, though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them; yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.” We are amid the perils of the last days, the time will soon come when the prophecy of Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter. Study also the tenth chapter which represents the hand of God as at work to bring perfect method and harmonious working into all the operations of his prepared instrumentalities. The eleventh and twelfth chapters also should receive critical, thoughtful attention. Let these prophecies be studied on your knees before God; unless you take up the stumbling-blocks which by your own perverse spirit you have laid in the way of many who have been connected with you, God will turn His face utterly from you and your associates.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 102a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 102a, 1896, par. 6

Edson has been charged with writing to me and complaining of Brother Henry. This is a mistake. Edson has not done this. The light which has been given me has been sent to Edson, only when I felt his danger, and presented to him that he was not to let his feelings control him. The thought that he was dealt with unkindly by any one in the office should not lead him to commit sin against his precious Saviour, or to let his mind be soured in any way. I assured him that the Lord was looking upon every unjust act; every hard-hearted and unjust decision is known to Him. I wrote this to him, not because Edson had written to me of these things, for he had not; but because matters had been presented before me, and I could not rest until I sent my warnings over the broad Pacific to save him from another utter discouragement. I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have spoken to hard, unthankful, unsubdued hearts, because I was commissioned to set the warnings before them whether they would hear or whether they would forbear. See Ezekiel 3:4-7, 16-21; 9; 18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 178, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 178, 1899, par. 18

The world would not be what it now is if professed believers in Christ were receivers of His divine nature. It is the example of men who claim to believe the truth but who do not practice the truth that detracts from the influence of Christianity. They hold the truth as a theory, but unrighteousness surely characterizes their course of action. Many occupy high positions of responsibility, and yet reveal that they are far away from Christ, because they are destitute of Christianity. Please read the ninth and tenth chapters of Ezekiel. Should we not seek to understand the work which God requires us to do? Its results are sacred and awful.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 142, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 142, 1899, par. 9

This great roll, twenty cubits in length and ten cubits in breadth was the measurement of the porch of Solomon’s temple. In this roll is written the name of the wrongdoer unless he repents of his wrong. The Lord’s eye is upon every transaction, and His judgment will come upon those who do wrong. The ninth chapter of Ezekiel should be studied in connection with (Ezekiel 2:1-10) and the fifth chapter of Revelation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 3, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 3, 1900, par. 12

Consider the scene presented in the ninth chapter of Ezekiel. Such a delineation needs to be carefully considered. When those who are set for the defense of true religion in our world become middlemen, leading the people to a knowledge of the truth, but failing to show the sanctifying power of truth upon their own hearts, the churches of Seventh-day Adventists are in danger of becoming corrupted and through their defective characters leading others astray. But notwithstanding the deplorable lack of vital godliness, there is a faithful remnant who sigh and cry for the abominations done in a land of professed knowledge and piety.

15LtMs, Lt 3, 1900, par. 13

God is already writing the record of some cases, “Incurable.” “He is joined to his idols, let him alone.” [Hosea 4:17.] The time is soon coming when the work of God’s judgment will begin at His sanctuary. God Himself is now drawing the separating line. He says, “As for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their own heads.” [Ezekiel 9:10.] What carefulness should this work [be] in every soul who is striving for eternal life. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine,” Christ says, “no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [John 15:4.] Keep this in mind. Every living branch is fruitful. What is the character of the fruit borne? It is the most precious fruit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 88, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 88, 1900, par. 17

God will surely humble these men unless they humble themselves. (Ezekiel 9) will be fulfilled, and if it does not touch our institutions it is because there has been a thorough transformation of the heart. It is no use to expect those whose hearts are not softened and subdued with the love of Christ to manage wisely and to show that they understand their responsibility to God. Jesus will understand the spirit which controls the judgment and manifests itself in their authority. There is need of special training under the divine theocracy.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 165, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 165, 1902, par. 42

In the ninth chapter of Ezekiel is portrayed the fate of the men of responsibility who have not glorified God by faithfulness and integrity. Read this chapter. Notice especially verses four to six: “The Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others He said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at the ancient men which were before the house.” At the appointed time, the Lord God of Israel will do His work most thoroughly.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 214, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 214, 1902, par. 2

I slept little last night. I was taken from company to company, bearing a decided testimony in regard to the men who are spoken of in Ezekiel 9. This was given me to speak upon. I also spoke upon chapter 10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 121, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 121, 1903, par. 15

How solemn are the warnings given in the ninth chapter of Ezekiel! These warnings point to stern realities, which will shortly come to pass. But the many warnings of God’s Word are neglected. O how sad, how sad!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)

Lt 106, 1909

24LtMs, Lt 106, 1909, par. 17

Study the ninth chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling. Will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Lt 8, 1849

How are the children? Do they feel their acceptance with God? Dear children, do not rest a moment if you do not. God loves to hear the prayers of the young. Call upon Him and make your peace with Him that you may stand in the day of slaughter.14

Apocalyptic imagery taken from Ezekiel 9, where Ezekiel sees six men with slaughter weapons charged to smite all except those marked on the forehead.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 5, 1849

Do ye see those men?—1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (pointing to angels who were waiting to write on their rolls the names of those established, and those separated from us). Do you not see those bloody men with their weapons coming on as soon as the last name is enrolled?10

The appeal to escape the coming destruction is here repeated, this time using the imagery of Ezekiel 9. Ezekiel there sees “six men … every man a slaughter weapon in his hand” charged to smite all except those marked in the forehead by one of the men “clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side.”

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 1, 1854

Parents, I saw, stood in the place of God to their children, and they will have to render an awful account whether they have been faithful to the little few that have been committed to their trust. I saw that you were rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel18

An allusion to the tenth plague in Egypt and/or Ezekiel’s vision of judgment in Ezekiel 9. In an expanded version of this passage appearing in print some months later Ellen White includes both of these events. “The destroying angel is soon to go forth again, not to destroy the first-born alone, but ‘to slay utterly old and young, both men, women and little children’ who have not the mark.”

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 7, 1854

I saw that the destroying angel was to slay utterly old and young, men and women, and little children. I then saw that if the Advent parents would have their children saved in the time of trouble from the destroying sword they must take care of them now.2

An allusion to the tenth plague in Egypt and Ezekiel’s vision of judgment in Ezekiel 9. In an expanded version of this passage appearing in print some months later Ellen White cited both sources. “The destroying angel is soon to go forth again, not to destroy the first-born alone, but ‘to slay utterly old and young, both men, women and little children’ who have not the mark.”

Testimony for the Church — No. 23

Responsibility for Sins We Do Not Reprove

T23 22.2

Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God, and murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them, and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! These, unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work, and holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, will never receive the mark of God’s sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of all the wicked, represented by the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those “that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done” in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying. Read Ezekiel, chapter nine.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 47, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 47, 1893, par. 34

May the Lord guide you all, teachers and pupils and church members, to make diligent work for eternity. The end of all things is at hand. There is need now of men armed and equipped to battle for God. Please read Ezekiel 9. Who bear the sign, the mark of God in their foreheads? The men that sigh and cry for the abominations done in the midst of Jerusalem—among those that profess to be God’s people—not those who are engrossed in games for their selfish amusement. After the mark had been set upon this class—who are registered in the books of heaven as overcomers—by the angelic messenger of God, the command is given to the ministers of destruction: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” [Verses 5, 6.] God grant that these solemn predictions which are so speedily to be fulfilled, may be impressed upon the hearts of all! See Revelation 7:1-4, 12-17; Zechariah 3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 49, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 49, 1893, par. 4

I want to say, I have seen Satan triumphing over the entering into his devices in games, plans which he will use to decoy souls to their everlasting ruin. Jesus also I saw looking with sadness upon His heritage, saying. “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” [Jeremiah 13:20.] Let us heed the words of warning given us. The great day of the Lord is upon us; it “cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinner thereof out of it.” [Isaiah 13:9.] Ezekiel 9. Let us consider these chapters. Zechariah 3. These are the things that are soon to be transacted and every soul needs to be preparing for these events.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 31a, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 31a, 1894, par. 21

The Lord reads the heart as an open book. The men who are not connected with God have done many things after the imagination of their own evil hearts. The Lord declares concerning them, “They have turned unto Me the back, and not the face; though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them; yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.” [Jeremiah 32:33.] We are amid the perils of the last days, the time will soon come when the prophecy of (Ezekiel 9) will be fulfilled; that prophecy should be carefully studied, for it will be fulfilled to the very letter.

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers

Truth in the Heart Sanctifies

TM 431.3

He who presides over His church and the destinies of nations is carrying forward the last work to be accomplished for this world. To His angels He gives the commission to execute His judgments. Let the ministers awake, let them take in the situation. The work of judgment begins at the sanctuary. “And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward 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.” Read Ezekiel 9:2-7. The command is, “Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” Saith God, “I will recompense their way upon their head.”

The Sin of Licentiousness

The Sin of Licentiousness

PH077 7.4

He who presides over his church and the destinies of nations, is carrying forward the last work to be accomplished for this world. To his angels he gives the commission to execute his judgments. Let the ministers awake, let them take in the situation. The work of judgment begins at the sanctuary. “And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward 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.” Read Ezekiel 9:2-7. The command is, “Slay utterly, old and young, both maids and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark, and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men that were before the house. Saith God, I will recompense their ways upon their head.”

Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]

MR No. 1354—Counsel Against Foolish Talking and Jesting; Christ our Example

18MR 370.3

Christian cheerfulness is not condemned by the Scriptures, but reckless talking is censured. Those who live in the last days should be circumspect in words and acts. Sobriety is more in accordance with our faith than levity. Those who realize the solemnity of the times in which we live will be among the number who bear about with them a weight of solemn influence. They are rich in good works, bearing the burden of souls, and by holy example faithfully represent Jesus Christ and win souls to accept Christ as their Saviour. Ezekiel 9:3-6. Notice particularly [that] the sighing and crying ones are alone marked. Those who have engaged in afflicting their souls before God are especially remembered of Him, and the angel is bidden to place a mark upon them. 1 Peter 5:5-9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 11, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 11, 1868, par. 10

Christian cheerfulness is not condemned by the Scriptures, but reckless talking is censured. Those who live in the last days should be circumspect in words and acts. Sobriety is more in accordance with our faith than levity. Those who realize the solemnity of the times in which we live will be among the number who bear about with them a weight of solemn influence. They are rich in good works, bearing the burden of souls, and by holy example faithfully represent Jesus Christ and win souls to accept Christ as their Saviour. Ezekiel 9:3-6. Notice particularly the sighing and crying ones are alone marked. Those who have engaged in afflicting their souls before God are especially remembered of Him and the angel is bidden to place a mark upon them. 1 Peter 5:5-9.

Maranatha

The Pure Mark of Truth, August 20

Mar 240.1

The Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. Ezekiel 9:4.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

General Notes

GC88 691.1

In Ezekiel 9:4 the word used in the original is translated mark. Gesenius says, “a mark, sign.” The Septuagint gives the same word in this text that is given in the Greek of Romans 4:11, rendered “sign.” Thus the words sign, mark, and seal are applied to the same things, or used as of like signification, in the scriptures.

GC88 691.2

In Ezekiel 9:4 and Revelation 7:2, 3, the mark or sign is said to be placed in the foreheads of the servants of God. Both these scriptures refer to a time when utter destruction is coming on the ungodly. The seal is placed upon God’s people as a safeguard to preserve them from the evil impending. But “the forehead” is evidently used as a figure, to denote the intellect or mind, as “the heart” is used to denote the disposition or affections. To mark or seal in the forehead is the same as to “write in the mind.” Hebrews 10:16.

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Appendix

4SP 505.1

In Ezekiel 9:4 the word used in the original is translated mark. Gesenius says, “a mark, sign.” The Septuagint gives the same word in this text that is given in the Greek of Romans 4:11, rendered “sign.” Thus the words token, sign, mark, and seal are applied to the same things, or used as of like signification, in the Scriptures.

4SP 505.2

In Ezekiel 9:4 and Revelation 7:2, 3, the mark or sign is said to be placed in the foreheads of the servants of God. Both these scriptures refer to a time when utter destruction is coming on the ungodly. The seal is placed upon God’s people as a safeguard to preserve them from the evil impending. But “the forehead” is evidently used as a figure, to denote the intellect or mind, as “the heart” is used to denote the disposition or affections. To mark or seal in the forehead is the same as to “write in the mind.” Hebrews 10:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 2, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 2, 1885, par. 14

Who are the company who are sealed with the seal of the living God? What saith the Lord? He says to the angel, Go, and place the mark upon the foreheads of those who sigh and cry for the abominations which are done in the land. [Ezekiel 9:4.] That should keep us in sobriety, in prayerfulness, and watchfulness. And as we see the iniquity taking away the youth right out of our arms, do you suppose it would be so if the right influence were exerted over them by every member who professes to be a child of God? What is the matter? The high standard is left to trail in the very dust. You are acting as the world acts. You are not to follow their moves, but are to come out and be separate.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 71, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 71, 1903, par. 43

The seal of the living God is to be placed upon His people. He has commissioned an angel to “set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst” of Jerusalem. [Ezekiel 9:4.]

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

God Reckons with Nations

2TT 64.4

The command is: “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” Ezekiel 9:4. These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking.

2TT 65.2

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” Ezekiel 9:5, 6.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Duty to Reprove Sin

1TT 335.2

The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God’s professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet’s illustration of the last work under the figure of the men each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side. “And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” Ezekiel 9:4.

1TT 336.1

But the general slaughter of all those who do not thus see the wide contrast between sin and righteousness, and do not feel as those do who stand in the counsel of God and receive the mark, is described in the order to the five men with slaughter weapons: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.” Verses 5, 6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Ms 3, 1895

10LtMs, Ms 3, 1895, par. 27

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” [1 Peter 4:17, 18.] “And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” [Ezekiel 9:4-6.]

Last Day Events

Chapter 17—The Seven Last Plagues and the Wicked (The Great Time of Trouble, Part 1)

LDE 248.1

Here we see that the church—the Lord’s sanctuary—was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men [Ezekiel 9:6], those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust.—Testimonies for the Church 5:211 (1882).

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 36—Desolation of the Earth

4SP 473.1

The mark of deliverance has been set upon those “that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done.” Now the angel of death goes forth, represented in Ezekiel’s vision by the men with the slaughtering weapons, to whom the command is given: “Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.” Says the prophet, “They began at the ancient men which were before the house.” [Ezekiel 9:6.] The work of destruction begins among those who profess to be the spiritual guardians of the people. The false shepherds are the first to fall. There are none to pity or to spare. Men, women, maidens, and little children perish together.

From Here to Forever

The Angel of Death

HF 396.4

Now the angel of death goes forth, represented in Ezekiel’s vision by the men with the slaughtering weapons, to whom the command is given: “Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.” “They began at the ancient men which were before the house,” those who professed to be the spiritual guardians of the people. Ezekiel 9:6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 10, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 10, 1888, par. 25

Unless you change, you will constantly erect barriers around your children to hold them away from Christ. You will bind them with the world because it pleases their carnal minds. When the angel with the writer’s inkhorn places a mark upon those who love Jesus and keep His commandments, another angel will follow with destroying weapons in his hands, and the commandment will go forth, “Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary.” Ezekiel 9:6. Will you not carefully look at these things and think upon them? Will you not, for the sake of your children, do the work for which God has made you responsible?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 148, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 148, 1899, par. 33

When God’s servants reach this point, they will be sealed in their foreheads. The recording angel will declare, “It is done.” [Ezekiel 9:11.] They will be complete in Him whose they are by creation and by redemption.