יחזקאל, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ט

A prophet acting as a spiritual watchman carries a heavy burden, tasked with sounding the alarm to those straying from the right path. Yet, the ultimate choice to change rests entirely in the hands of the individual. The responsibility placed upon the prophet is simply to warn the wrongdoer; he does not control the person's choices or the ultimate outcome of the situation [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

When the prophet faithfully fulfills his duty but the individual ignores the message, the failure to repent is viewed through two distinct dimensions of wrongdoing. This duality highlights that the person not only refuses to abandon their past corrupt behavior, but also fully intends to continue down this destructive path in the future [מלבי״ם].

In such a scenario, the sinner will ultimately face the consequences of their guilt. Witnessing this, the prophet might feel a heavy sense of personal responsibility. He could easily worry that by issuing the warning, he removed the person's ignorance, transforming an accidental mistake into a deliberate rebellion, thereby causing the tragic outcome [מלבי״ם]. However, the message provides clear reassurance. Because the prophet faithfully carried out his duty to sound the alarm, he is completely absolved of any blame. He is exempt from punishment and bears no responsibility for the sinner's downfall [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].