Ezekiel 3:17

KJV

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, I have made {H5414} thee a watchman {H6822} unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}: therefore hear {H8085} the word {H1697} at my mouth {H6310}, and give them warning {H2094} from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, I have appointed you to be a watchman for the house of Isra'el. When you hear a word from my mouth, you are to warn them for me.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.

American Standard Version

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:17 marks a pivotal moment in the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel, as the Lord God formally commissions him as a "watchman" to the exiled house of Israel. This divine appointment bestows upon Ezekiel the solemn and weighty responsibility of receiving God's precise words directly from His mouth and faithfully delivering them as a warning to a rebellious and spiritually dull people. The verse encapsulates the essence of prophetic ministry: divine initiative, human reception, and urgent proclamation, underscoring the prophet's accountability for delivering God's message of judgment and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the initial chapters of Ezekiel, immediately following the prophet's awe-inspiring vision of God's glory by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, which established the divine authority behind his call ([Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory")). Having been overwhelmed by this encounter, Ezekiel is then given a specific and challenging mandate. Chapters 2 and 3 detail the nature of his prophetic commission: he is sent to a "rebellious house" ([Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - Israel's Rebellion")), whose hearts are hardened against God's word. The declaration in verse 17 is part of a larger divine charge (extending through [Ezekiel 3:16-21](/ezekiel/3-16 "Ezekiel 3:16-21 - The Watchman's Responsibility")) that not only outlines the prophet's duty but also explicitly states the severe consequences for both the watchman and the people if the warning is not issued or heeded. This immediate literary context emphasizes the gravity of Ezekiel's role and the life-or-death implications of his faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel was a priest living among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, deported after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. The people were far from their homeland, struggling with their identity and often clinging to false hopes of a swift return, while simultaneously engaging in idolatry and moral corruption. In ancient Near Eastern cities, a "watchman" (Hebrew: *tsopheh*) was a crucial figure, stationed on city walls or towers. Their primary duty was to maintain constant vigilance, scanning the horizon for approaching danger—whether invading armies, raiders, or even natural disasters. Upon spotting a threat, the watchman was obligated to sound an alarm, typically with a trumpet, to warn the inhabitants, allowing them to prepare or take refuge. Failure to warn could result in the destruction of the city and the watchman being held accountable for the loss of life. This cultural understanding of a watchman's role provides a powerful metaphor for Ezekiel's spiritual task: to alert a complacent and sinful Israel to the impending divine judgment and the path to repentance.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 3:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Appointment and Authority**. God explicitly states, "I have made thee a watchman," emphasizing that Ezekiel's role is not self-chosen but divinely ordained, granting him immense authority as God's spokesperson. Secondly, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **The Role of a Watchman**, which is central to Ezekiel's ministry and is powerfully reiterated and expanded upon later in the book ([Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33-1 "Ezekiel 33:1-9 - The Watchman's Renewed Commission")). This theme highlights the prophet's responsibility to warn the people of spiritual peril, impending judgment for their sins, and the consequences of disobedience. Thirdly, the command "therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me" illuminates the theme of **Hearing and Delivering God's Word**. It stresses the prophet's dual responsibility: first, to faithfully receive God's message without distortion, and second, to faithfully deliver it without alteration or compromise. Ezekiel is presented as a direct conduit for divine truth, highlighting the sanctity and power of God's spoken word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)". In the phrase "Son of man" (Hebrew: *ben adam*), "son" emphasizes Ezekiel's human nature and mortality, contrasting his frailty with the awesome majesty and power of the God who commissions him. It serves as a constant reminder that despite his extraordinary calling, he remains a mortal man, dependent on God.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, meaning "ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)". When combined with "son" (*ben*), "Son of man" (or "son of Adam") serves as a humble address, distinguishing Ezekiel as a mere mortal in the presence of the divine, yet simultaneously affirming his identity as a representative of humanity to whom God speaks.
* **watchman (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** From H6822, meaning "a primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await; behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man)". This term vividly portrays the prophet's role as one who is vigilant, constantly looking out for God's message and for the spiritual state of the people, ready to sound the alarm. It implies a position of elevated perspective and diligent observation.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause". This term refers to the divine revelation, the specific message that God intends for Ezekiel to convey. It emphasizes that the content of Ezekiel's prophecy is not his own opinion or wisdom, but the direct, authoritative utterance of God Himself, encompassing both pronouncements of judgment and promises of restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This is God's consistent address to Ezekiel throughout the book (used over 90 times). It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, setting him apart from the divine majesty of the one who speaks to him, yet also highlighting his representative role as a human recipient of divine revelation.
* **"I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel:"**: This clause declares God's sovereign appointment of Ezekiel to a specific, vital role. The metaphor of a "watchman" underscores the prophet's responsibility to be vigilant, to observe the spiritual dangers facing Israel (idolatry, rebellion, impending judgment), and to sound a warning. This is not a self-chosen task but a divine mandate. The "house of Israel" refers to the entire covenant community, particularly the exiles to whom Ezekiel was sent.
* **"therefore hear the word at my mouth,"**: This is the first of two imperative commands, highlighting the prophet's primary duty: to listen attentively and precisely to God's direct communication. It emphasizes that Ezekiel is a conduit, not the originator, of the message. His message must be derived solely from God's own utterance, ensuring its purity and authority.
* **"and give them warning from me."**: This is the second imperative, outlining the active component of Ezekiel's commission. Having received the word, he is now commanded to deliver it as a "warning." This warning is not merely information but an urgent admonition, intended to awaken the people to their sin and the consequences, and to call them to repentance. The phrase "from me" reiterates the divine origin and authority of the warning, making it clear that Ezekiel is God's mouthpiece.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 3:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the **Watchman Metaphor**. By likening Ezekiel to a watchman on a city wall, God immediately communicates the urgency, vigilance, and life-or-death stakes of the prophet's role. Just as a physical watchman warns of impending danger, Ezekiel is to warn Israel of spiritual peril and divine judgment. This metaphor is deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern culture, making its meaning immediately accessible to the audience. Another device is **Divine Address** or **Apostrophe**, as God directly addresses Ezekiel as "Son of man." This repeated address throughout the book emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity in contrast to God's divinity, creating a sense of awe and humility, yet also highlighting the intimate, personal nature of God's communication with His chosen servant. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Imperative Mood** ("hear... and give warning"), underscoring the non-negotiable nature of Ezekiel's commission and the direct, authoritative commands issued by God. The structure also exhibits a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship ("I have made thee a watchman... therefore hear... and give warning"), linking the divine appointment directly to the prophetic responsibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:17 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of prophetic ministry and divine communication. It establishes God's sovereign right to appoint His messengers and His expectation of their faithful obedience. The theological weight lies in the concept that God actively intervenes in human history by revealing His will and warning His people through chosen individuals. This verse underscores the immense responsibility of those entrusted with God's truth, implying severe consequences for unfaithfulness. It also highlights God's justice in providing ample warning before judgment, demonstrating His long-suffering character even in the face of persistent rebellion. The theme of accountability, for both the messenger and the hearer, is paramount.

* [Jeremiah 1:7-9](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7-9 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Call")
* [Isaiah 6:8-9](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8-9 - Isaiah's Response to God's Call")
* [Acts 20:26-27](/acts/20-26 "Acts 20:26-27 - Paul's Declaration of Innocence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 3:17 offers profound insights for believers today, even though we are not prophets in the same unique, revelatory sense as Ezekiel. Firstly, it calls us to a posture of deep listening to God's Word. Just as Ezekiel was commanded to "hear the word at my mouth," so too must we diligently immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing God's truth to shape our understanding, convictions, and actions. This requires intentional engagement, not just passive reception. Secondly, the watchman imagery challenges us to recognize our spiritual responsibility to those around us. While we may not prophecy new revelation, we are called to share the timeless truths of the Gospel—the warning against sin, the call to repentance, and the glorious hope found in Jesus Christ. This involves speaking truth in love, sharing the good news, and living lives that bear witness to God's transforming power. Finally, the verse reminds us of the serious accountability that accompanies divine revelation. Knowing God's truth comes with the responsibility to live by it and to share it. Our faithfulness in this spiritual watchman role has eternal implications, both for ourselves and for those to whom we are called to speak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I actively "hearing the word at God's mouth" in my daily life?**
* **How does the metaphor of a "watchman" challenge me to be more vigilant about the spiritual state of those around me?**
* **What "warnings" from God's Word do I need to personally heed, and what truths am I called to share with others?**
* **Considering the accountability of the watchman, how seriously do I take my responsibility to proclaim the Gospel and live consistently with its message?**

### FAQ
**What does "Son of man" mean when God addresses Ezekiel?**

Answer: The title "Son of man" (Hebrew: *ben adam*) is used by God over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel to address the prophet. It primarily serves to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and mortality, contrasting his frail, earthly nature with the awesome power and majesty of the divine God who commissions him. It reminds Ezekiel, and the reader, that despite his extraordinary calling and direct communication with God, he remains a mortal man, dependent on God for every word and action. This humble address also highlights his representative role as a human being through whom God communicates to other human beings.

**What was the primary duty of a "watchman" in ancient times, and how does it apply to Ezekiel?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cities, a watchman was stationed on city walls or towers to be constantly vigilant for approaching dangers, such as enemy armies or raiders. Their primary duty was to sound an alarm, often with a trumpet, to warn the city's inhabitants so they could prepare or take refuge. Failure to warn meant the watchman was held accountable for any resulting loss of life or destruction. For Ezekiel, God appointed him as a spiritual watchman to the house of Israel. His duty was to observe the spiritual dangers (idolatry, rebellion, impending judgment) that threatened God's people and to faithfully deliver God's warning message. Just as a physical watchman's warning could save lives, Ezekiel's prophetic warning was intended to call Israel to repentance and avert divine judgment, or at least ensure they were without excuse. This duty is further elaborated in [Ezekiel 33:1-9](/ezekiel/33-1 "Ezekiel 33:1-9 - The Watchman's Responsibility").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's commission as a watchman, faithfully receiving and delivering God's word of warning, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel was a human prophet, a "son of man" in his frailty, Jesus is the archetypal "Son of Man," not merely a human being, but the divine-human Messiah who perfectly embodies both humanity and deity. He is the ultimate Watchman and Shepherd of His people, who not only warns of impending judgment but also provides the means of escape. Unlike Ezekiel, who received words *from* God's mouth, Jesus *is* the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), the full and final revelation of God Himself ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). He came not only to warn of sin's consequences but to bear them on the cross, offering salvation to all who would hear His voice and believe ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing the Word of Life")). Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, desiring to gather them like a hen gathers her chicks, but they would not listen to His warning ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and calls them by name, ensuring that those who truly hear His voice will follow Him to eternal life ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") and [John 10:27-28](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Thus, Ezekiel's watchman role foreshadows Christ's perfect ministry of warning, salvation, and ultimate judgment, making Him the one true and faithful Watchman who perfectly fulfilled the divine commission.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 52:8

Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Isaiah 62:6

¶ I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, [which] shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.

2 Chronicles 19:10

And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and [so] wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

Jeremiah 6:17

Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Ezekiel 33:2

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: