יחזקאל, פרק ל״ג, פסוק א׳

A profound shift occurs in the prophetic timeline as a comprehensive series of messages unfolds, grouped together by their shared theme [אברבנאל]. This revelation takes place at a highly dramatic moment: the evening before a refugee arrives from Jerusalem carrying the bitter news of the city's destruction.

The primary approach among commentators is that God speaks to the prophet at this specific time to provide comfort before the devastating news arrives. There was a real danger that upon hearing of the destruction, the prophet would fall into deep despair. He might feel that all his past efforts and warnings were completely in vain since the tragic decree was ultimately fulfilled and the city lay in ruins.

To prevent this sense of failure, God presents a parable drawn from the practices of earthly kingdoms. Just as a nation appoints a watchman to sound the alarm when an enemy sword approaches, God appointed Ezekiel as a spiritual watchman. While this same parable was used at the beginning of his journey to encourage him to start prophesying, its purpose here is to calm his conscience. God clarifies that the prophet's sole duty was to deliver the warning. Because he faithfully sounded the alarm, he saved his own soul. The complete responsibility for the destruction and loss of life rests on the people who chose to ignore him.

These repeated warnings were never meant to be pointless declarations of doom. Rather, they were a sincere call to repentance, reflecting that God does not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that he turns away from his harmful path. This preemptive revelation ultimately prepares the prophet for the challenging tasks ahead. Soon, he will be required to rebuke the remnant of the people still living in the Land of Israel, who arrogantly believe they will inherit the land despite their severe sins. He will also need to confront the exiles in Babylon, who treat his words as mere entertainment rather than a serious call to action.