Joe: Okay, so what’s going on in Ezekiel 9?

Bible Expert: Well, this chapter focuses on God’s judgment of the people of Jerusalem. An angel appears with a writing kit that has a command from God written on it. The command is for the angel to go throughout Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all the people who grieve and lament over the abominations that are being committed in the city.

Joe: Whoa, wait a minute here. What kind of abominations?

Bible Expert: Well, the people were living in a state of spiritual and moral decline. There were rampant idolatry, immorality, and injustice taking place.

Joe (interrupting): Jamie, Google “idolatry” and “injustice” so I can understand what we’re talking about here.

Jamie (in the background): Sure thing, Joe.

Joe: So what happens after this mark is put on the people’s foreheads?

Bible Expert: The angel then instructs six other angels to go through the city and slaughter everyone who doesn’t have the mark.

Joe: Wow...that’s intense. So why is God sending judgment on the people of Jerusalem?

Bible Expert: He is doing it to show that He is holy and righteous, and he will not tolerate sin. He wants to make it clear that he will punish those who disobey him.