Ezekiel 9:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The glory of God ascended from the Cherub that was positioned above the corner of the temple, specifically above the altar situated in the Lord's house.

The glory of the God of Israel will emerge from the Cherubim into the open house. A man clothed in linen, with a waistband around his waist, was summoned. The Lord instructed him to pass through the city of Jerusalem, marking the foreheads of those who were distressed and grieving due to the sins present among them. It is beneficial to encourage and guide those who falter, yet when they fail to heed this guidance, mourning becomes necessary and valuable. Thus, the Apostle Paul expressed, "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with anguish?" (2 Corinthians 11:29). Furthermore, he remarked, "I fear that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will grieve for many who have sinned previously and have not repented" (2 Corinthians 12:21). Hence, those who wept and grieved over the people's transgressions were indeed righteous, as they sought to avoid sharing in the punishment. Therefore, these individuals who mourned over the iniquity of the people were truly devout.