v1: The word from the Lord, reminding the prophet of his own responsibility. This chapter brings to a close the prophecies for Gentile nations, as Ezekiel once more addresses his own people. The major theme changes from judgment to promise.

v2: The watchman, chosen from among the people, a representative, carrying responsibility.

v3-6: The work of the watchman, an important job, announcing coming attacks. The application to a prophet's responsibility is clear.

v7: Ezekiel, a watchman for the house of Israel, not the only one, for there were others, 3.17. He had to hear God's word, and proclaim it to the people. Compare 1 Cor 1.1, where Paul speaks of his calling to be an apostle through the will of God. Those chosen and gifted in the church similarly bear serious responsibility.

v8-9: The message was one of warning to the wicked man; even as Christ came to call sinners to repentance. The first responsibility is one the watchman to speak, for he is accountable to God.

These words are addressed directly to Ezekiel, indicating the continuation of his own ministry. He had more to say to his people.

v10: The response of hopelessness; the children of Israel pinned away in their sins.

v11: The response of repentance; the proper response, the way to life. The opportunity is there, and is clear, but there is also an alternative, and that is death.

v12-13: The folly of trusting in one's own righteousness; we must seek the righteousness from God.

v14-16: Repentance means a real and practical change of life, turning from those things which displease God. The reward is life itself.

v17-20: The accusation of unfairness, but no-one has any right to judge God.

v21-22: See 24.26-27. Ezekiel's words came to pass, the city fell, and he was no longer mute. From 24.1, we see that he was silent for three years; although he had delivered messages to other nations.

It is significant that the messenger came to Ezekiel. Although many rejected his message, he was clearly recognised as a man of God.

v23-24: The people trusted in their own worthiness, and the fact that they were many, "surely the land has been given to us."

v25-26: The clear exposure of their sins, answering their claim to possess the land. They practised idolatry and adultery, and did not deserve to possess the land.

v27-29: Israel's proud (or arrogant) strength; they thought, since they were God's chosen people, that good would come to them, whatever their state of obedience or rebellion. Their painful removal from the land would humble their "strength." Jeremiah records their later removal to Egypt, leaving the land desolate.

v30-32: The people's hypocrisy, listening to the words, claiming to love the message, but not doing it.

v33: When the words of Ezekiel's life are fulfilled, then the people will know that a true prophet has been among them.