Source: Marvin A. Sweeney, Reading Ezekiel: A Literary and Theological Commentary, Reading the Old Testament Series (Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Incorporated, 2013), 35–42.
he Second Oracular Account of Ezekiel’s Inaugural Vision.wav
This podcast delves into the second oracular account of Ezekiel's inaugural vision, specifically chapters 3:16–5:17, where YHWH commissions the prophet as a watchman and instructs him through symbolic actions. The text highlights how this section, following a seven-day period after Ezekiel's initial vision, details his responsibilities, drawing a connection between his prophetic role and his priestly background. Through various commands and symbolic acts, like lying on his side or shaving his head, Ezekiel is tasked with communicating YHWH's impending judgment against Jerusalem due to the people's corruption and defilement of the temple. The passage also emphasizes the consequences for both Ezekiel and the people depending on whether the warnings are heeded, ultimately portraying YHWH as the sovereign deity responsible for both judgment and potential restoration.
The Structure and Content of Ezekiel 3:16–5:17: This section of the book of Ezekiel is identified as the second oracular account introducing the prophet's ministry. It begins after a period of seven days following the initial vision recounted earlier in the book. This unit is clearly defined by the presence of the prophetic word formula at its beginning and end. Within this section, the narrative describes Ezekiel's actions and experiences, which frame the speeches delivered by YHWH to Ezekiel. These speeches detail Ezekiel's commission and provide instructions for his prophetic activities. The section contains two main speeches from YHWH, introduced by narrative references to YHWH speaking to Ezekiel. These speeches are further broken down into segments, each introduced by a reference to YHWH's speech and including Ezekiel's response. The first speech (3:16–21) commissions Ezekiel as a watchman. The second speech (3:22–5:17) elaborates on this role, including instructions for Ezekiel to speak only when authorized and to communicate divine messages through symbolic actions.
Ezekiel's Commission as Watchman: A core theme is YHWH's appointment of Ezekiel to serve as a "watchman" over the people. This commission is initially given in YHWH's first speech in this section and is further specified in the subsequent speech. The role involves communicating YHWH's judgments to individuals. Just as a priest would render judgments on matters of guilt, innocence, purity, and impurity, Ezekiel is to represent YHWH and convey divine will. A key responsibility of the watchman is to warn those judged to be unrighteous or even righteous individuals who have committed a trespass. The purpose of these warnings is to offer an opportunity for repentance, which could allow them to save their lives. The sources emphasize the prophet's accountability; if Ezekiel fails to deliver the warning to a wicked or backsliding righteous person, he is held culpable and could face death, although the guilty party is also subject to death. This responsibility is central to defining Ezekiel's prophetic duties.
The Significance of the Seven Days and Priestly Ordination: The text notes that YHWH spoke to Ezekiel again after a period of seven days following the initial oracular event. This passage of seven days is linked directly to the seven-day ordination period typically undergone by a Zadokite priest before they would begin their service at the temple altar. Since Ezekiel is in exile in Babylon and therefore unable to serve as a priest in the Jerusalem Temple, this seven-day period is reinterpreted. It marks his ordination, not for traditional priestly service at the altar, but for his new role as YHWH's prophet in exile.
Ezekiel's Retention of Priestly Identity: Despite being commissioned and ordained as a prophet while in exile, the sources highlight that Ezekiel retains his priestly identity, practice, and perspectives throughout his ministry as depicted in the book. His background as a priest is not abandoned but informs his new prophetic role. Elements of his priestly understanding and duties are integrated into how his prophetic commission is described and understood.
YHWH's Address to Ezekiel as "Ben-Adam": YHWH addresses Ezekiel multiple times using the term "Ben-Adam," which translates to "son of Adam." The sources suggest that this form of address is in recognition of Ezekiel's status as a priest. This connection is drawn because priests, specifically the high priest, had a unique role in approaching YHWH, such as entering the holy of holies on Yom Kippur to make atonement for the nation. Addressing Ezekiel as "Ben-Adam" acknowledges his priestly standing, even as YHWH outlines a different, prophetic role for him as a watchman.
The Priestly Origin of the Watchman Role: The role assigned to Ezekiel as a watchman is described as deriving from his priestly identity. Priests traditionally had a responsibility to teach YHWH's instruction (Torah) to the people, guiding them in distinguishing between what is sacred and profane, pure and impure. Temple priests also included sentinels or gatekeepers posted at temple entrances. While their exact procedures are debated, these gatekeepers were understood to instruct people on the requirements—both ritual and ethical—for purifying themselves before entering the temple precincts, leaving the ultimate determination of purity to YHWH. Ezekiel's function as a watchman who communicates YHWH's judgments of guilt or innocence and purity or impurity reflects this broader priestly role of representing YHWH to the people and conveying divine standards and verdicts. Furthermore, priests were responsible for bearing the sin of the people and the sanctuary, a function the sources indicate Ezekiel continues in some manner.
Restrictions on Ezekiel's Speech and Movement: As part of the specific instructions for his watchman role, YHWH commands Ezekiel to remain shut up in his house. This is described using imagery of being bound with cords, preventing him from leaving. Additionally, he is instructed to be speechless, with his tongue cleaving to the roof of his mouth. This severe restriction on his communication means he can only speak at times when YHWH explicitly authorizes him to deliver a prophetic message. When he does speak, it must be introduced by the classical prophetic messenger formula, "thus says YHWH." This injunction is highly significant because it explicitly denies Ezekiel an important aspect traditionally associated with priests and other leaders like Moses and Aaron: the ability to intercede on behalf of the people before YHWH. This denial is interpreted as indicating that YHWH has already determined to render judgment against the people, making intercession futile. Like the prophet Balaam in the past, Ezekiel is limited to speaking only what YHWH commands him.
Symbolic Actions as Communication Medium: YHWH instructs Ezekiel to perform a series of symbolic actions to convey the divine message of impending judgment against Jerusalem and its people. These acts serve as visual signs illustrating YHWH's intentions.
◦The Siege Model: Ezekiel is told to set up a model of Jerusalem under siege using a brick inscribed with the city, siege equipment, and an iron plate representing the siege. He must then lie on his left side for 390 days, symbolizing judgment against Israel, and on his right side for forty days, symbolizing judgment against Judah. The precise significance of these numbers is debated, but a proposed interpretation links them to historical periods related to Israel's sins leading up to Josiah's reform and Judah's subsequent period until shortly after Ezekiel's vision, signifying YHWH's judgment on both kingdoms.
◦The Siege Rations: Ezekiel is instructed to eat and drink limited amounts of food and water while lying by the siege model. He is to make bread from a mixture of grains, representing scarcity under siege, and receive a small, measured ration of both bread (20 shekels) and water (a sixth of a hin)—starvation rations. A particularly striking instruction is to cook his bread using human excrement for fuel, symbolizing both lack of fuel and impurity under siege conditions. Following Ezekiel's protest based on his priestly purity, YHWH allows him to use cattle dung instead. This act collectively symbolizes YHWH's intent to cut off the supply of food and water in Jerusalem.