Ezekiel 9:2

So soon as command was given out, these ministers of God's just displeasure appear ready to execute. Six; that was the precise number, neither more nor fewer. Men. 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 inquiry; they came without delay. From the way of the higher gate; either because, being more inward, it is 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 Jotham, 2 Chronicles 27:3. Toward the north; insinuating whence their destruction should come; from Babylon came that whirlwind, Ezekiel 1:4, which was to overthrow Jerusalem. And this north gate was the weakest, both by their sins there committed, and by its situation, which invited Antiochus and Titus to pitch their tents on that side when they besieged it, and on this side the Chaldeans did first enter. A slaughter weapon: see Ezekiel 9:1. One man; not companion, but as one of great authority over them, who are as officers waiting on him on every side. Linen; a garment proper to the priesthood, whether ordinary priest or high priest, Exodus 28:42,43 Le 6:10: in this habit appeared the angel, Daniel 10:5, Daniel 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. They went in; all the seven, both the six executioners, and the single man clothed in linen, went into the inner court, where they stand waiting till the word be given for execution. Stood beside the brazen altar; either showing that they were ready to offer up many sacrifices to the just revenge of God; or to show their value, zeal, and constancy to God's appointment, for they are not where Ahaz's altar was in the middle of the court, but near the brazen altar of God's own direction.