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:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵֽי
Son
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֗ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֗ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 23
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
דַּבֵּ֤ר
speak
H1696
דַּבֵּ֤ר
speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 23
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵֽי
Son
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַם
if the people
H5971
עַם
if the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 23
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 23
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָבִ֥יא
unto them When I bring
H935
אָבִ֥יא
unto them When I bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 23
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עָלֶ֖יהָ
H5921
עָלֶ֖יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 23
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חָ֑רֶב
the sword
H2719
חָ֑רֶב
the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
13 of 23
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
עַם
if the people
H5971
עַם
if the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 23
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִ֤ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֤ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
17 of 23
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְנָתְנ֥וּ
and set
H5414
וְנָתְנ֥וּ
and set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
20 of 23
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Ezekiel 33:30Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD.Ezekiel 33:17Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.Ezekiel 14:17Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:Ezekiel 3:11And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.Isaiah 62:6I 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,Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.Ezekiel 3:27But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
Historical Context
This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse continues the watchman theme central to Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. God appoints watchmen—whether prophets or pastors—to warn of spiritual danger, yet individuals bear responsibility for their response. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates divine sovereignty working through appointed means while preserving human moral agency and accountability. The watchman metaphor emphasizes both the seriousness of ministry (those who fail to warn bear blood guilt) and individual responsibility (those warned but who ignore face self-inflicted consequences). This passage prepares Israel for restoration by establishing foundational principles: God's people must heed His warnings delivered through His appointed messengers.