Spiritual Gems for the week of December 28, 2026–January 3, 2027

Ezekiel 9:9. Why did Jehovah include “the house of Israel” in his condemnation? (it “Chronology” par. 104).

Answer 1: Jehovah included the house of Israel because the fall of the northern kingdom did not mean that he had stopped taking its inhabitants into account. Samaria had fallen in 740 B.C.E., but Jehovah continued to include the exiled Israelites in the messages of his prophets long afterward. So his condemnation was not limited to Judah; it also included the Israelites of the former northern kingdom.

Answer 2: The explanation highlights that the interests of the Israelites of the northern kingdom were still represented in Jerusalem. Although the two kingdoms had been separated and Samaria had already been conquered, Jerusalem continued to be important to the entire nation. Therefore, when Jehovah announced his judgment against that city, he was not dealing only with Judah. The destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. expressed his judgment against the entire nation of Israel.

Answer 3: One detail that helps us understand this inclusion is that part of the population of the northern kingdom may have fled to the southern kingdom before the Assyrian advance. Thus, the fall of Samaria would not have eliminated the presence of northerners in Judah. The explanation presents this migration as a possibility, not as a certainty. The main point remains that Jehovah continued to take those Israelites into account after their kingdom disappeared.

Answer 4: The chronology helps us see the national scope of the condemnation. From the division of the kingdom in 997 B.C.E. until the fall of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., 390 years passed. Within that period, Samaria fell in 740 B.C.E. However, the judgment that culminated in Jerusalem’s fall did not affect only the kingdom that still existed. It also included the house of Israel, whom Jehovah continued to mention through his prophets.

Answer 5: The condemnation included Israel because what would happen in Jerusalem would have consequences for the entire nation. When the city fell, national hopes vanished, not just those of the inhabitants of Judah. The explanation points out one exception: the few who maintained true faith. Thus, the mention of Israel at Ezekiel 9:9 reflects the scope of that judgment, which extended beyond the borders of the former kingdom of Judah.

What spiritual gems have you found in this week’s Bible reading?

Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 9

Ezekiel 9:1 — He then called out in my ears with a loud voice, saying: “Summon those who will bring punishment on the city, each one with his weapon for destruction in his hand!”

Comment 1: Ezekiel 9:1 shows that Jehovah would not allow Jerusalem’s wickedness to continue indefinitely. The order to punish the city reminds us that he is not indifferent to the suffering caused by wickedness. When we see injustices, we can trust in his justice without feeding desires for revenge or thinking that each person should take justice into his own hands.

Ezekiel 9:2 — I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate that faces north, each with his weapon for smashing in his hand; and there was one man among them clothed in linen, with a secretary’s inkhorn at his waist, and they came in and stood beside the copper altar.

Comment 2: Ezekiel 9:2 highlights a contrast: some men carry weapons, while another carries an inkhorn. That detail prepares the reader to understand that not everyone in the vision would receive the same treatment. Jehovah does not view people as an undifferentiated mass. This encourages me to avoid generalizations when speaking about those who live in a bad environment. We should not assume that everyone thinks alike or has the same attitude.

Ezekiel 9:3 — Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from where it had rested above the cherubs and moved to the threshold of the doorway of the house, and he began calling out to the man who was clothed in linen, at whose waist was the secretary’s inkhorn.

Comment 3: Ezekiel 9:3 shows that it is Jehovah who calls the man with the inkhorn and directs what is about to happen. The initiative does not come from the messenger himself. This reminds me of the importance of respecting Jehovah’s direction in our service. Enthusiasm is valuable, but it does not replace obedience. Before deciding how to act, it is wise to make sure that what we want to do agrees with Bible instructions, and not merely with our preferences.

Ezekiel 9:4 — Jehovah said to him: “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.”

Comment 4: Ezekiel 9:4 highlights that some people were sighing and groaning over the detestable things being done in Jerusalem. They had not become accustomed to viewing them as normal. This makes me think about how I react to violence or immorality that appears in entertainment. It is not enough to say that I would not do such things. I also need to guard my feelings so that repeated exposure does not eventually weaken my rejection of what Jehovah considers bad.

Ezekiel 9:5 — And to the others he said in my hearing: “Go through the city after him and strike. Do not let your eye feel sorry, and do not feel any compassion.

Comment 5: Ezekiel 9:5 contains a very severe command. In the context, Jehovah had already assessed the seriousness of the wickedness and had arranged for those who rejected it to be distinguished. Therefore, it would not be right to judge his decision as if he were unaware of the circumstances. This account teaches me to approach difficult Bible passages with humility, examining the context before drawing conclusions and recognizing that Jehovah knows far more than we do.

Ezekiel 9:6 — Old man, young man, virgin, little child, and women you should kill offcompletely. But do not go near to any man on whom there is the mark. You should start from my sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were in front of the house.

Comment 6: Ezekiel 9:6 indicates that the judgment began at the sanctuary and with the elders who were in front of the temple. Being in a place connected with worship did not exempt them from being accountable. The lesson for me is that no responsibility in the congregation takes the place of faithful conduct. What matters is not the position others see me occupying, but the kind of person I am and whether my daily decisions please Jehovah.

Ezekiel 9:7 — Then he said to them: “Defile the house and fill the courtyards with the slain. Go!” So they went out and struck down people in the city.

Comment 7: Ezekiel 9:7 shows that not even the temple would be exempt from the consequences of the people’s wickedness. The building could not compensate for the corruption of those who used it. This reminds me that worship is not limited to the place where we meet or to the activities in which we participate. It must also influence how we treat our family, how we work, and what we do in private. Our life must agree with what we profess.

Ezekiel 9:8 — While they were striking them down, I alone was left, and I fell facedown and cried out: “Alas, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah! Are you going to destroy all the remaining ones of Israel while you pour out your rage on Jerusalem?”

Comment 8: At Ezekiel 9:8, the prophet is distressed by what he sees and addresses Jehovah. He does not view the death of other people coldly or with satisfaction. His reaction reminds me that recognizing Jehovah’s justice does not mean losing our sensitivity. In the ministry, we want to help people, not speak to them with superiority. And when a situation overwhelms us, we can sincerely and deeply respectfully express our concerns to Jehovah.

Ezekiel 9:9 — So he said to me: “The error of the house of Israel and Judah is very, very great. The land is filled with bloodshed, and the city is full of corruption. For they say, ‘Jehovah has left the land, and Jehovah is not seeing.’

Comment 9: Ezekiel 9:9 points to bloodshed and corruption as part of the nation’s serious error. This shows that Jehovah cares very much about how people are treated. He does not consider worship to be separable from honesty and respect for life. This verse moves me to review my everyday dealings: whether I am fair at work, whether I tell the truth, and whether I avoid taking advantage of others’ vulnerability.

Ezekiel 9:9 — So he said to me: “The error of the house of Israel and Judah is very, very great. The land is filled with bloodshed, and the city is full of corruption. For they say, ‘Jehovah has left the land, and Jehovah is not seeing.’

Comment 10: Another detail of Ezekiel 9:9 is the mistaken idea that Jehovah did not see what was happening. That way of thinking accompanied the city’s corruption. For me, the application is not to confuse the absence of immediate consequences with God’s approval. If I have to make a decision that no one else will know about, remembering that Jehovah does see it helps me to act with integrity. I want to please him, not merely avoid having others discover something bad.

Ezekiel 9:10 — But as for me, my eye will not feel sorry; nor will I show compassion. The consequences of their way I will bring down on their own head.”

Comment 11: Ezekiel 9:10 connects the punishment with the conduct of those who would receive it. The people could not blame Jehovah for the consequences of their bad decisions. This teaches me to accept responsibility when I make a mistake. Instead of justifying myself because of the environment or because of what others did, I need to acknowledge my part and correct it. Accepting the consequences can be difficult, but making excuses only makes it harder to truly change.

Ezekiel 9:11 — Then I saw the man clothed in linen with the inkhorn at his waist bringing back word, saying: “I have done just as you have commanded me.”

Comment 12: Ezekiel 9:11 ends with the report of the man clothed in linen, who had carried out exactly the assignment he received. He did not merely accept the task; he completed it and reported back. This seems to me to be a good reminder regarding the responsibilities we receive in the congregation. Being reliable includes listening carefully, completing what is asked of us, and communicating the result. If a difficulty arises, it is better to ask for help than to let others assume that everything has been taken care of.

Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 10

Ezekiel 10:1 — As I was watching, I saw above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubs something like a sapphire stone appearing above them, and its appearance resembled a throne.

Comment 1: Ezekiel 10:1 describes something resembling a throne above the cherubs. In the midst of a vision of judgment, that detail directs attention to Jehovah’s authority. It helps me remember that difficult situations do not diminish his sovereignty. When something troubles me, I can think not only about the problem but also about the God I serve.

Ezekiel 10:2 — Then he said to the man clothed in linen: “Enter between the wheelwork, under the cherubs, and fill both your hands with burning coals from between the cherubs and toss them over the city.” So he entered as I watched.

Comment 2: At Ezekiel 10:2, the command to scatter burning coals over the city forms part of the vision of judgment against Jerusalem. It is a serious scene that does not allow us to view the wickedness described in the previous chapter as harmless. It reminds me that hearing Bible warnings should move us to act, not merely to feel concerned for a moment. If I detect a habit that is weakening my friendship with Jehovah, the sensible course is to correct it without waiting for it to cause more harm.

Ezekiel 10:4 — And the glory of Jehovah rose up from the cherubs to the threshold of the doorway of the house, and the house gradually became filled with the cloud, and the courtyard was full of the brightness of the glory of Jehovah.

Comment 3: Ezekiel 10:4 describes the house and courtyard as being filled with manifestations of Jehovah’s glory. The focus is not human greatness or the beauty of the building, but Jehovah himself. This helps me keep my worship properly focused. When participating in a meeting, I do not want the main thing to be making a good impression. I want my comments and conduct to help others value Jehovah more and draw closer to him.

Ezekiel 10:5 — And the sound of the wings of the cherubs could be heard in the outer courtyard, like the sound of God Almighty when he speaks.

Comment 4: Ezekiel 10:5 compares the sound of the cherubs’ wings with the voice of God Almighty. The description conveys impressive power and helps us feel reverence. At times we may become so familiar with spiritual activities that we do them automatically. This verse encourages me to stop and remember whom I worship. Before praying or studying, taking a moment to think about Jehovah’s greatness can help me pay closer attention.

Ezekiel 10:6 — Then he commanded the man clothed in linen: “Take fire from between the wheelwork, from between the cherubs,” and he entered and stood beside the wheel.

Comment 5: Ezekiel 10:6 shows that the man clothed in linen positions himself where he needs to be in order to carry out the command he received. His response does not remain an intention; he takes the necessary step to obey. This invites me to think about my spiritual goals. Wanting to study more or participate more fully in the ministry is a beginning, but concrete action is needed. I can set aside a time, prepare the material, or ask for help instead of waiting for ideal circumstances.

Ezekiel 10:7 — Then one of the cherubs stretched his hand out toward the fire that was between the cherubs. He took some and put it into both hands of the one clothed in linen, who now took it and went out.

Comment 6: At Ezekiel 10:7, a cherub hands the fire to the man clothed in linen, and he receives it and leaves to continue his assignment. Cooperation can be seen among those participating in the vision. Without assigning meanings to every detail, we can appreciate the value of collaborating. In the congregation, many tasks require some to make the work easier for others. Providing what is needed on time, sharing useful information, and accepting help contribute to getting the work done in an orderly way.

Ezekiel 10:9 — As I was watching, I saw four wheels beside the cherubs, one wheel beside each cherub, and the wheels appeared to glow like chrysolite stone.

Comment 7: Ezekiel 10:9 mentions the gleam of the wheels, which the prophet compares to chrysolite. Ezekiel does not merely describe movements; he also notices the beauty of what he sees. That detail can help us read the Bible more attentively. If we move too quickly, we may overlook descriptions that enrich our view of Jehovah and his glory. It is worthwhile to pause, imagine the scene, and allow our appreciation for him to grow.

Ezekiel 10:11 — When they moved, they could go in any of the four directions without turning, because they would go to the place where the head would face without turning.

Comment 8: Ezekiel 10:11 describes extraordinary freedom of movement: the wheels could move in any of the four directions without turning. The vision does not present the limitations of an ordinary vehicle. This reminds me that I should not measure Jehovah’s ability by what I can imagine or accomplish. When I cannot see how a difficulty will be resolved, I can acknowledge my limitations without attributing those same limitations to him. Trusting does not require knowing all the details in advance.

Ezekiel 10:16 — and when the cherubs moved, the wheels would move alongside them; and when the cherubs lifted up their wings to be high above the earth, the wheels would not turn or move from their side.

Comment 9: Ezekiel 10:16 highlights that the wheels accompanied the cherubs and did not move away from them. The scene conveys coordination, not independent movements that interfere with one another. It makes me think about how valuable cooperation is in the congregation. Taking initiative does not mean acting without considering others. When an activity requires teamwork, listening, reaching agreement, and respecting each person’s responsibilities help far more than insisting on doing things my own way.

Ezekiel 10:17 — When these stood still, they would stand still; and when these rose, they would rise with them, for the spirit operating on the living creatures was in them.

Comment 10: Ezekiel 10:17 explains that the coordination the prophet saw was related to the spirit operating in the living creatures and in the wheels. It was not simply a display of movement. This directs our attention to the importance of Jehovah’s spirit. In our service, experience and organization are useful, but we do not want to rely solely on our abilities. We need to ask for his spirit and allow the guidance of his Word to influence our decisions and attitudes.

Ezekiel 10:18 — Then the glory of Jehovah departed from over the threshold of the doorway of the house and stood still over the cherubs.

Comment 11: Ezekiel 10:18 describes how Jehovah’s glory moved away from the threshold of the house and stood over the cherubs. In the context of Jerusalem’s corruption, this is a detail that invites reflection. The relationship with Jehovah was not to be taken for granted. Personally, it reminds me that a record of service does not replace present faithfulness. Rather than relying on what I did in the past, I want to keep caring for my friendship with Jehovah through today’s decisions.

Ezekiel 10:20 — These were the living creatures that I had seen under the God of Israel at the river Chebar, so I came to know that they were cherubs.

Comment 12: Ezekiel 10:20 explains that the prophet recognized the living creatures he had seen by the river Chebar and understood that they were cherubs. Connecting what he was seeing with what he had already observed helped him understand better. This encourages me to study patiently. Grasping a lesson does not always require looking for something new; sometimes we need to review and connect what the Bible has already shown us. It is also wise to distinguish what the text explains from what we merely assume.

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