Say to them: As I live, declares the Lord, I do not want the wicked to die, but rather, that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your wicked ways! Why, O Israel, should you die?
Commentaries
33:1 - 33:20
The Prophet as Watchman.
This chapter begins the second part of the book. Three notes serve as an inclusion to separate the first part, which focuses more on judgment and condemnation: the references to Ezekiel’s role as a watchman (3:16; 33:1-9) and to his silence (3:24-27; 33:22), as well as the statement: “they will realize that they had a prophet in their midst” (2:5; 33:22). Once again, the Lord addresses the prophet with the title “son of Adam.” As a watchman, the prophet has the role of warning the people, who in turn must pay attention to him.
Commentaries
The Prophet as Watchman.
This chapter begins the second part of the book. Three notes serve as an inclusion to separate the first part, which focuses more on judgment and condemnation: the references to Ezekiel’s role as a watchman (3:16; 33:1-9) and to his silence (3:24-27; 33:22), as well as the statement: “they will realize that they had a prophet in their midst” (2:5; 33:22). Once again, the Lord addresses the prophet with the title “son of Adam.” As a watchman, the prophet has the role of warning the people, who in turn must pay attention to him.