Translations
Modern
“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,
Traditional
Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:
Literal
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people, and say to them: ‘A land, when I bring upon it the sword, and the people of the land take a single man from their borders and set him to them as watchman,
Latin
Fili hominis, loquere ad filios populi tui, et dices ad eos: Terra, cum induxero super eam gladium, et tulerit populus terræ virum unum de novissimis suis, et constituerit eum super se speculatorem:
Original
Hebrew
English
“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman,
Notes
watchman: See study note on Ezekiel 3:16219. The message about the watchman is part of Ezekiel’s public announcement, not a private task. It emphasizes that the listeners are responsible for acting on the watchman’s message.
Before Jerusalem's destruction, people ignored the warning. After the exile, they struggled to believe the message of hope. In both situations, Ezekiel faced rejection and was tempted to stay silent. God warned him again that he could not.
Events
- Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC
Glossary
Topics
Christian Minister: Duties of Opportunity: The Measure of Responsibility Responsibility: According to Privilege Trumpet used for Giving Alarm in Cases of Danger Watchmen in Time of Danger: Sounded an Alarm at the Approach of Enemies