3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people,
3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people;
3 and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people,
3 and if the watchman sees war coming and blows the trumpet, warning the people,
3 when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people,
3 When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:3
Commentary on Ezekiel 33:1-9
(Read Ezekiel 33:1-9)
The prophet is a watchman to the house of Israel. His business is to warn sinners of their misery and danger. He must warn the wicked to turn from their way, that they may live. If souls perish through his neglect of duty, he brings guilt upon himself. See what those have to answer for, who make excuses for sin, flatter sinners, and encourage them to believe they shall have peace, though they go on. How much wiser are men in their temporal than in their spiritual concerns! They set watchmen to guard their houses, and sentinels to warn of the enemies' approach, but where the everlasting happiness or misery of the soul is at stake, they are offended if ministers obey their Master's command, and give a faithful warning; they would rather perish, listening to smooth things.