Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 9:2

2 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 linnen, with a writers inkhorn by his side: and they went in and stood beside the brazenaltar.

So soon as Command was given out, these Ministers of God's just displeasure appear ready to execute.

That was the precise number, neither more nor fewer.

In Appearance and Vision they were men, and the Prophet calls them as he saw them, whether Angels in the shape of Men; or whether really men, needs not much enquiry, they come without delay;

either because being more inward, 'tis higher than the outward, as in all Buildings upon ascents, where you go up by steps from the outward parts towards the inmost Building, or because it was built more lofty than the other, enlarged likely by Iotham. 2 Chron. 27.3.

Insinuating whence their destruction should come, from Babylon came that Whirlwind, chap. 1. v. 4. which was to overthrow Ierusalem. And this North-Gate was the weakest both by their sins there committed, and by its Scituation, which invited Antioc[illegible: 1 letter]us and Titus to pitch their Tents on that side when they besieged it, and on this side the Chaldaeans did first enter.

See ver. 1.

Not Companion, but as one of great Authority over them, who are as Officers waiting on him on every side.

A Garment proper to the Priesthood, whether Ordinary Priest, or High Priest. Exod. 28.42, 43. Lev. 6.10. in this habit appeared the Angel. Dan. 10.5. and 12.6, 7. and a very fit resemblance of Christ, who is the only Saviour of his Elect, whose Names he knows as if written by him.

All the seven, both the six Executioners, and the signal Man clothed in Linnen, went into the Inner Court where they stand waiting, till the word be given for Execution:

Either shewing that they were ready to offer up many Sacrifices to the just revenge of God; or to shew their value, zeal, and constancy to God's appointment, for they are not where Ahaz Altar was in the middle of the Court, but near the Brazen Altar of God's own direction.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 word] turned.; Heb. a [illegible: 1 word] of his [illegible: 1 word] in [illegible: 1 word].; Heb. [illegible: 1 word] loynes.