Ezekiel 3:17-21

17-21. Jehovah uses a figure to describe the prophet’s duty with which doubtless Ezekiel was well acquainted (Jeremiah 6:17). A silent prophet is like the watchman who, sleeping at his post, fails to warn the city of danger. Such a sentinel is guilty of death. If he gives the warning, some may save themselves; but even if no one is saved, the sentinel is guiltless. Just so with the prophet. If he does not reprove the people for their sins, he is guilty of a capital crime. If he utters the word of warning, they may repent and escape punishment; but whether they repent or not, the watchman has delivered his soul. The principles of judgment are here emphasized with special reference to the prophet. In chaps. xviii and xxxiii they are more fully explained with reference to the disobedient people to whom he speaks.