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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
3:16-21 The Watchman. Ezekiel is assigned duty as an early warning system for Judah. This role is rehearsed and elaborated in 33:1-9, the passage introducing the second phase of Ezekiel's ministry.
3:17 The task of watchman is also found in Isaiah (Isa. 21:6-9), Hosea (Hos. 9:8), and Habakkuk (Hab. 2:1), but none provides a direct parallel to Ezekiel's commission (see 2 Sam. 18:24-27; 2 Kings 9:17-20). The insistence on speaking only the divine word persists from Ezek. 3:10.
3:18-19 Although the intent is clearly to warn the wicked and thus save his life (cf. 33:8), the more fundamental concern here remains the fidelity of the prophet to deliver warnings faithfully. Both scenarios result in the death of the wicked; but in the second, if the warning is issued, the prophet's life is saved (delivered your soul; see 3:21).
