Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.
Ver. 6. Slay utterly old and young.] a A dreadful commission; see it fully executed, 2 Chronicles 36:17 : all sorts, sexes, and sizes of people were corrupted; and since there was no hope of curing, there must be cutting.
But come not near any upon whom is the mark.] These were the "precious sons of Zion," the "excellent ones of the earth" - as whatsoever is sealed is excellent in its kind, Isa 28:25 hordeum signatum. - these are the darlings, the favourites; handle them gently therefore for my sake, touch not mine anointed, come not near any such to fright them, but keep your distance.
And begin at my sanctuary.] From whence went forth profaneness into the whole land. Jer 23:15 These sanctuary men were an ill generation; at them therefore begins the judgment. God will be sanctified in all that draw near unto him. Nadab and Abihu found the flames of jealousy hottest about the altar. Uzzah and the Bethshemites felt that justice as well as mercy is most active about the ark. Murderers must be drawn from the altar to the slaughter. Exo 21:14 Holy places were wont to be refuges; not so here, but the contrary.
Then they began at the ancient men.] At those seventy seniors, Eze 8:11 whose foul offences had flown far upon the two wings of evil example and scandal.
a Immedicabile vulnus ense recidendum.