The command is: “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking. {5T 210.2}

Befalingen lyder: »Gå midt igennem byen, igennem Jerusalem og sæt et mærke på de mænds pander, der sukker og jamrer over alle de vederstyggeligheder, som øves i dets midte!« Disse, som sukkede og jamrede, havde fremholdt livets ord; de havde irettesat, rådet og formanet. Nogle, der havde vanæret Gud, omvendte sig og ydmygede deres hjerter for ham. Men Herrens herlighed var veget bort fra Israel; skønt mange fremdeles vedblev at følge kristendommen formelt, var hans kraft og nærværelse ikke til stede.