LESSON 5 - Ezekiel: The Watchman—Ezekiel 33-34

Chapter 33 is pivotal because it marks the beginning of the last section of Ezekiel, one which gives hope of the restoration of Israel to the exiles. It also tells of the destruction of Jerusalem, culminating the years of Ezekiel’s prophecies. The repetition of God’s charge to Ezekiel to be a watchman (see also chapter 3) emphasizes the importance of this role.

In a fortified city, there would be a watchman stationed at the wall to watch for invaders. It was his responsibility to warn the people at the first sign of trouble. If he did his job and the inhabitants ignored the warning, then whatever happened would be their own fault. If the watchman failed to carry out his responsibilities, then the lives of all those lost would be his fault, and their blood would be on his head.

The Lord makes an analogy of Ezekiel’s role of warning the people of impending disaster to that of the watchman. Ezekiel was to warn Israel that the Lord was tired of their evil ways, rejecting righteousness. The Lord was tired of their disobedience and failure to listen. The people only needed to repent, but repentance was not forthcoming.

In the last half of chapter 33, Ezekiel and the captives in Babylon receive word that the city of Jerusalem has fallen (33:21). One of the thirteen dates in the book is given here to pinpoint the time. It is about 5 months after the fall, the length of time it would take to make the journey to Babylon. And, as has been true throughout the book, God explains that all of this has happened so that his people will understand the he is the Lord (33:29). God wants his people to recognize him and give him due honor. Ezekiel’s prophecies have now been fulfilled.

Ezekiel also receives a message from God just for him, vindicating him for all the years that the people have not really listened. Many have come to hear Ezekiel’s words (or to watch his symbolic acts), but it was only for entertainment (33:32). Now that Jerusalem has fallen, people will realize that Ezekiel was truly a prophet of God and what he has been saying is true.

There have been few consoling words in the first 33 chapters of the book, but now the tone changes. Even in chapter 34, where God strongly rebukes the leaders of Israel (shepherds) through Ezekiel, there is now a note of promise and hope. The leaders have reneged on their responsibilities to care for the people. They have allowed them to be scattered and thus became susceptible to every evil thing. The leaders failed to rescue those in their care.

Now the Lord himself will rescue. God will care for his people (sheep). He will seek them and provide for them. The people will finally understand that God is their Lord. He keeps his covenant. This section contains some beautiful language (33:25-31).



Open

1. In light of the many New Testament commands to evangelize the world, is the “watchman” concept applicable to us also? Is God calling every Christian to be a watchman like Ezekiel? What are you watching for? Will he hold you accountable for not warning those in your circle of influence? 

2. Will the Lord truly hold us accountable for the times we failed to warn? What is it we are to warn about? The second coming? The destructiveness of sin?

3. Are there well-known watchmen in these times? People did not listen to Ezekiel. Do we listen to the watchmen today?

Examine

1. One of the themes of Ezekiel is to make the Lord known in a powerful way to the captives—“then they will know that I am the Lord.” Has it finally worked? Do you think they understand now? Will they listen carefully to Ezekiel now?

2. Did the Israelites in captivity consider Ezekiel to be entertainment? How could they hear the strong words he spoke and not listen? Is it possible that people are not hearing a strong word of the Lord today? If so, what might that be?

3. How important is the responsibility of leaders to guide the people? Is their responsibility greater? Do you listen to your leaders? How easy is it to discern when leaders really care and are leading people in the correct path?

4. According to Ezekiel 34, what are the marks of a leader who is not doing right?

Reflect and Apply

• For whom are we responsible as watchmen?
• After punishment, children are often more open to love and instruction. When Ezekiel’s hearers finally realized that their beloved capital had fallen, would they be more open to his love and discipline (see Hebrews 12:4-11)?