Ezekiel 9:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Much reward awaits us for our sighs and tears, while those who gaze upon the misfortunes of their fellow believers without sorrow will face God’s condemnation. The former can be derived from Ezekiel—the model of patience—while the latter can be observed in the blessed Micah. The former notes that when the Jewish people succumbed to the utmost wickedness and idolatry, God instructed that a mark should be placed ‘on the foreheads of the men who were sorrowful, mourning over all the abominations committed among them’; for they were called not only to grieve, but also to feel anguish. Although their actions did not contribute to correcting the sins present, they honored God with their heartfelt lamentation, receiving protection and great glory in return. Micah, in addressing a variety of sins such as gluttony and drunkenness, pointed out a lack of compassion, declaring, ‘You do not grieve for Joseph's suffering!’ (Am. 6:6). Furthermore, the prophet condemned the residents of Enan for similar indifference, reminding them, ‘You shall not go out to weep for the house of your near one’ (Micah 1:11). Thus, if one is condemned when God's anger is aroused and lacks compassion for the afflicted, how can those who show no sorrow for the wicked escapeforgiveness? Do not be astonished that we should feel sorrow for the punished during their time of chastisement; indeed, the very God who disciplines them does not desire their downfall: ‘Do I take pleasure in the death of the unrighteous?’ says He (Ezekiel 18:23). If the One who punishes is reluctant to do so, how much more should we be moved with compassion towards those undergoing punishment? Perhaps it is through our empathy that we might lead them to repentance or salvation. Even if they are destined for destruction, we will still offer our heartfelt lament—shedding tears and sighing—not by gathering groups, but rather individually, each person fulfilling their own role. If you wish, I can initiate this song of mourning alongside you; I am unashamed to share in it with Jeremiah, Isaiah, Paul, and ultimately with the Lord Himself.

Instead of the term sign, translations by LXX and others indicate the Hebrew word thau, which is the final letter of the Hebrew alphabet, symbolizing completeness of understanding among those who grieve. As suggested by Jewish tradition, since the law is referred to as the Torah and this letter appears at the beginning of its name, it is a sign for those who adhere to the commandments of the law. This letter tav, the last of the ancient Hebrew characters still utilized by the Samaritans, carries the shape of a cross, which is often depicted on the foreheads of Christians and appears in various inscriptions. Some interpret this final letter of the Hebrew alphabet to signify that amid the multitude of transgressors, there remains a remnant of faithful souls. Those who mourn and sigh are considered saved, having neither condoned evil actions nor ignored the sins of others, similar to how Samuel grieved for Saul (1 Samuel 15:33 and 1 Samuel 16:1), and the Apostle Paul lamented for those who did not turn from their wrongdoing. As he stated, ‘We who are in this temple sigh’ (2 Cor. 5:4) and also, ‘I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart’ (Rom. 9:2).

The six appointed to execute judgment are to eradicate all except those who can proclaim, ‘The light of Thy countenance is upon us, O Lord’ (Ps. 4:7), sparing neither elder, youth, maiden, child, nor woman. In a symbolic interpretation, the elders represent those in the Church, as it is said, ‘Grey hair is a crown of glory’ (Prov. 16:31); young men are those eager to defend the faith; the maidens are those who preserve their purity with unwavering dedication; infants, who subsist on the milk of their early years and are not yet ready for solid food; and women, who, due to their inherent vulnerability, exemplify the frailty of the human spirit. None among them will receive mercy if they presume to rely on any strength apart from the sign of Christ.

When it is said to begin from My sanctuary—or as LXX translates, from My saints—it implies either the priests who, while in the temple, strayed into idolatry or those who, due to their priestly status, were designated as saints and were held accountable for their sins against the nations, thus being the first to incur judgment. For indeed, there is a designated time (1 Cor. 7:29) for judgment to commence within the household of God.

Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with anguish?’ And again: ‘I fear that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will mourn for those who have sinned previously and have not repented.’ Thus, those who grieved the iniquities of the community were indeed pious. They stood apart to avoid sharing in the punishment. Therefore, those who mourned and lamented over the failings of the people were truly righteous.