יחזקאל, פרק ט׳, פסוק י״א

After God finishes speaking with the prophet, the mission of the angel clothed in linen comes to a close, and he returns to give a full account of his actions [רד״ק]. Like a subordinate returning to a master to confirm a completed task [ביאור שטיינזלץ], the angel brings back word directly to God who sent him [מצודת דוד].

In his report, the angel confirms that he passed through the city and placed the required mark upon the foreheads of the people [רד״ק]. He emphasizes that he followed the instructions with absolute precision, ensuring the mark was placed exclusively on the righteous [מצודת דוד]. Another perspective views this angel not merely as an executor of a command, but as a defender of the people. In this light, his report highlights the positive discovery that he indeed found righteous individuals worthy of salvation. This dynamic serves as an allegory for the prophet Jeremiah, who rebuked the nation and was subsequently saved by righteous officials who believed his warnings [מלבי״ם].

The angel's account stresses that he fulfilled his mission entirely, omitting nothing of what God commanded [רד״ק]. This emphasis on absolute completion suggests that the angel, traditionally identified as Gabriel, was actually reporting on two separate matters. Beyond the physical marking of the foreheads, he also carried out the command to cast coals over the city, a task detailed later in the vision. By confirming that he did all that was asked, the angel indicates that every aspect of his assigned duties was fully accomplished [חומת אנך].