Bible Study: Ezekiel 3:1-17 - October 30, 2022

Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pDXqgixZnrcjkA4bi7cTA67mzHbcqkKL/view?usp=sharing The metaphor of the prophet as “watchman” is frequent (esp. Is 21:6-12; Is 56:10 for false prophets; Hosea 9:8, Hab 2:1, Jer 6:1). God and Ezekiel is not just concerned with natural, temporal life, but also with spiritual and eternal life. Jesus assumes the language in the parable of the ten virgins (Mt 25:1-13) and His summary admonition in Mk 13:37: “What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’” The prophet’s role as watchman readily applies specifically to the pastoral office today and broadly, to all Christians. There is risk and serious consequence of death for failure to speak God’s Law and Gospel (3:18). All are held to a high standard to rebuke the erring brother, with particular judgment for the pastor who fails to speak (Office of the Keys; Rev 1:18; Mt 16:19; Rev 3:7).