God warns (1–11). God had ordained Ezekiel to be a watchman (3:16ff.), but now the people were to ordain their own watchmen in each territory. The three key words are sword, trumpet, and blood. When you see the sword coming, blow the trumpet and warn the people; otherwise, their blood will be on your hands (Acts 20:26–27). (See Prov. 24:10–12.)
God is fair (12–20). Review chapter 18 where Ezekiel defended God’s fairness in sending judgment to His people. This is a plea for repentance, for God wants each of us to have a broken and a contrite heart (Ps. 51:17). We should not judge God but allow Him to judge us. (See Mic. 7:18–19; Heb. 10:11–18.)
God judges (21–29). For seven years, the prophet had been silent except when delivering a message (3:26). His words about Jerusalem had been fulfilled, and he could engage in normal conversation again. But his first words had to do with the nation’s sins! How could the people call God unfair when they were so guilty before the law of God?
God sees the heart (30–33). Imagine calling a watchman’s warnings “a very lovely song”! They did not take God’s Word seriously; if they had, they would have obeyed it (James 1:21–27). Complimenting the preacher is not the same as obeying the Master. (See Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8–9.)
