יחזקאל, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״ז

The transition from prophetic silence to active speech marks a clear boundary for the prophet's responsibility. His mission is not measured by how successfully he persuades his audience, but simply by the act of delivering God's message to a stubborn nation. There are different perspectives on exactly when this moment of speech will occur. Some understand that God will enable him to speak whenever He desires to send him to the people [רש״י], or simply when the appropriate time arrives for him to receive permission [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others suggest that the prophet will only be able to speak after God has completely finished speaking with him [רד״ק], or after he completes the symbolic actions commanded in the upcoming chapters [מלבי״ם]. Another tradition links this promise to a much later event, suggesting his ability to speak will only return when a refugee finally arrives from Jerusalem [רד ק בשם אביו]. Beyond merely granting permission, God is giving the prophet the actual ability to express himself. He will be granted clear and fluent speech, empowering him for a task he is unaccustomed to, as he is not naturally used to rebuking people or guiding them on the right path [מצודת דוד].

When the prophet addresses the people, he must introduce his words by declaring that they come directly from God. This introduction is essential to show the audience that the message does not originate from his own mind or personal feelings, but is a precise, unaltered prophetic mission [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Consequently, his address will not take the form of a typical, logically reasoned moral lecture, but will instead be delivered as a brief, undeniable decree from God [מלבי״ם].

As the message is delivered, a principle emerges regarding those who choose to listen and those who refuse, an idea that appears for the third time in this prophecy [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. There is a discussion about whether this statement is meant for the people or for the prophet himself. One approach views it as a private instruction from the Holy Spirit to the prophet, reminding him to simply deliver the message without worrying about the outcome, since it is known in advance that not everyone will listen [רש״י]. Another perspective argues that this is actually part of the message spoken to the people, signaling that the prophet has no intention of forcing them to obey. Because they are a rebellious nation, attempting to force compliance would only spark greater resistance, so they are left to decide for themselves [מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, this choice carries profound existential weight, as the decision to heed the moral call leads to life, while the choice to ignore it means ceasing to exist entirely [מלבי״ם].