As with Jeremiah, we will focus our attention this chapter and the next on the writings of Ezekiel. In this chapter, we will be introduced to Ezekiel and his calling as a prophet of the Lord. We will then focus our attention on seven chapters which include: Ezekiel 1-3; 18; 20; 22, and 33. Chapter 37 of this text, will address the writings of Ezekiel as found in chapters 34, 36 and 37. Part I will focus on “Ezekiel’s commission to be the Lord’s watchman [and his] prophetic messages;” Part II will address “the shepherds of Israel and the relationship between “the stick of Judah and Joseph” (see Old Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, 1993, 36-37)

There is some question amongst scholars as to when Ezekiel was carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar which was during the reign of Jehoiachin king of Judah. Most scholars favor 597 B.C.

Ezekiel’s family must have been considered prominent and influential, as it was mostly the “mighty of the land” that were taken captive during this time.

Eight years earlier (609 B.C.), Daniel had been deported to Babylon. He served as a prophet of the Lord in the Babylonia court.

While Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel are contemporary prophets, their area and specific location varied. Jeremiah continued to serve in the city of Jerusalem, then in Egypt. Daniel and Ezekiel both served in Babylon. Daniel, as noted, served in the courts of Nebuchadnezzar, while Ezekiel labored among the Jewish captives and slaves.

Having noted the six steps of being called as a prophet as identified by Stephen D. Ricks, we will now give apply this formula to the prophetic call of Ezekiel. The definition of the steps by Ricks will be given in quotes followed by the verses in the scripture as they apply to Ezekiel. I have also included the experience of Joseph Smith, a modern day prophet, for comparison.

We learn that Ezekiel was called five years after his arrival in Babylon (594 B.C.).

The place where Joseph went to pray was a grove of trees near his parent’s home in Palmyra, Manchester County, New York, in the Spring of 1820.

In the previous verses [Ezekiel 1:4-27], Ezekiel attempts to describe the majesty, dominance and glory of God the Father, probably in symbolic and figurative language. I offer the following commentary for consideration.

In verse 10, Ezekiel saw four creatures which “had the face of a man,… a lion,… an ox,… [and] the face of an eagle.”

It is interesting to note that when Joseph Smith experienced his first vision in 1820, he also experienced a very bright and glorious light in the heavens.

Due to Joseph Smith’s youth (14th year), he was not called at this time (1820) to be a prophet. Following the bestowal upon him of the authority to act in God’s name, in accompaniment with Oliver Cowdery, through heavenly visitors, (John the Baptist and Peter, James and John), on April 6, 1830, ten years following his first vision, the Church of Jesus Christ was restored upon the earth with Joseph Smith as Prophet and President of the Church.

On September 21, 1823, the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith in response to personal prayer.

Ezekiel is willing to serve, but is informed that his mission will be difficult.

As previously noted, Joseph Smith, due to his youth, was not called to be a prophet at the time of his first vision (1820), however his call to be a prophet was formally confirmed on April 6, 1830.

Joseph Smith’s commission was to serve as Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ which was now restored upon the earth. Acting through the power and authority of God, once again mankind, through the saving ordinances, had the opportunity for exaltation which was now available to all members of Christ’s Church on the earth.

The position of “watchman” was one of sacred trust. In ancient Israel, a city’s defenses consisted mainly of a wall constructed around the city with a tower where a watchman was positioned. It was the sole duty of the watchman to provide sufficient warning to the citizens by a blast from his trumpet so that they might be prepared in advance of pending danger. If he failed to fulfill his duty, the entire city could be in peril. If he were found to be asleep or derelict in his responsibility, he faced severe disciplinary action from his superiors as the strength of the warning system of the city consisted in the watchman doing his job. The qualities of a good watchman included excellent eyesight, a strong sense of responsibility, a willingness to stay on the job in all kinds of weather, and a determination to be constantly alert.

Ezekiel is be a watchman regarding the spiritual enemies that could cause the loss of spiritual life for the Israelites captives.

The penalty prescribed by the Lord, if Ezekiel failed to provide a warning to Israel as her watchman was severe.

The Lord now outlines two options which if implemented will preserve the life of the watchman.

The simple key that enables the watchman to preserve his life is to fulfill the duty he has been given to sound a voice of warning. His responsibility includes not only the wicked, but also the righteous. Why also the righteous? We learn from the scriptures “for there is no man that sinneth not” (1 Kings 8:46). The difference between the wicked and the righteous is only one of degree. While the righteous may not have committed the serious sins of the wicked, he/she is guilty of less serious sins that also require their attention. Sins, like weeds in a garden, when not attended to and removed, continue to increase and will destroy the productivity of the garden. It is only through the process of daily recognition and action that we continue our progress toward perfection.

The daily operation of the various wards and stakes in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is fulfilled by the members themselves as there is no paid clergy. Today, one may serve as the Bishop or Relief Society President of the ward or as Stake President or Stake Relief Society President, and following their release, tomorrow be called to serve in a position of lesser responsibility.

In this regard each member in the Church serves as watchman/woman on the tower as they serve others.

This incident illustrates the sacred responsibility that has been given by the Lord today to each member of the church to care for each other as watchmen/women on the tower.

The admonishment the Lord gave to Ezekiel regarding his accountability as a watchman, is still in effect today.

It is important to understand that it was during the first deportation in 607 B.C. (traditional dating) that Ezekiel and many others were taken captive to Babylon. At the time of their departure, the city and the temple had not been destroyed. It was at the time of the second deportation 588-586 B.C. that the Babylonians returned to completely devastate the city of Jerusalem and its temple and to burn it by fire. It was at this time that Judah was destroyed as a nation and those remaining, who had not gone to Egypt, including Jeremiah, were taken captive to Babylon.

As we begin this chapter we confront the principle of individual responsibility. It involves a well known proverb that was common among the Israelites. It states, “The Fathers Have Eaten a sour Grape, and the Children’s Teeth Are Set on Edge.” It’s meaning was that due to the effect parents have on the rearing of their children, they are responsible for the children’s actions. Wicked parents produce wicked children and righteous parents produce righteous children. It is the parent, not the child who is responsible for the moral choices of the children. The prophet Jeremiah had previously addressed this proverb.

It is not surprising that the Lord felt the need to again clarify the misunderstanding of this common proverb among those of Ezekiel’s day. Even today there are individuals who seek to blame others in order to avoid being held responsible for their own actions.

One reason why the Lord takes such a strong stand against Israel and Us also?, is that it’s teaching is false! The Lord makes it clear to his children, through his prophet Ezekiel, that the blame lies with themselves and they, not their forefathers, are personally responsible for their sins.

To emphasize this point, Ezekiel gives the illustration of three generations, (1) A Grandfather who is righteous his entire life escapes death (see Ezekiel 18:5-9); (2) His son becomes a wicked man and dies as a result of his own sins (see Ezekiel 18:10-13), and (3) the grandson, who considers his father’s actions, does righteously and lives (Ezekiel 18:14-17),.

Thus, in the final analysis, each of us are responsible for our own actions and we alone will be held accountable for the choices we have made in our lives at the time of the final judgment. While there may have been times when we were found innocent for crimes we have committed by an earthly tribunal, we will receive the full penalty of our actions at the bar of heavenly justice.

To those of us who are willing to take individual responsibility for our sins, the Lord offers to us the opportunity for forgiveness if we will seek sincere repentance and forsake our sins.

We learn from the words of an American prophet, Moroni, son of Mormon, that “if ye have no hope, ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity” (B/M, Moroni 10:22). The Lord’s promises are the substance out of which shattered lives can be rebuilt. Being able to repent makes us greater than our sins; our repentance brings us back to the Lord and his spirit whispers assurance that engenders hope in our souls. Therefore, no person in a state of despair because of sin, who is willing to repent, needs to remain in that state. It was Amulek who taught an important truth regarding our repentance.

For each of us, the wicked and the righteous, now is the time for us to prepare for our heavenly judgment. Tomorrow may be too late. Repentance as well as enduring in righteousness is important as Ezekiel taught.

At times we may be inclined to think that God at the time of our final judgment will remember the good deeds we used to do and somehow overlook any of the sinful ways we recently may have adopted. The teachings of Ezekiel bring further clarity to our thinking. Life is a process of becoming better each day of our lives, repenting as necessary. The judgment process will not consist of weighing our good deeds against the bad. It is not a bookkeeping process where the Lord cancels out one of our bad deeds with every good deed we have done. It is instead our living lives of righteousness, improving each day, and continuing to repent throughout our entire life. Because we all error in our lives, in spite of our sincere efforts, we know that is it is only by the “grace [of Jesus Christ] that we are saved after all we can do” (B/M, 1 Nephi 25:23). Our works alone will not save us, any more than just the Lord’s grace. Eternal life requires a joint efforts of our works combined with the Atonement offered by Jesus Christ.

After an extended period of time we learn that, “certain elders” came and inquired of Ezekiel if he would enquire of the Lord on their behalf” (Ezekiel 20:1). The Lord replies,

The Lord does not give them an answer to their inquiry. Instead He instructs Ezekiel to remind them of “the abominations of their fathers.” Why does the Lord direct Ezekiel to remind them of His intercession with their fathers and their accompanying response.

Having reiterated the transgressions of the children of Israel to those who sought the Lord’s direction, the Lord tells Ezekiel.

The key words in the lack of reply by the Lord to the Babylonian captives are emphasized in the Joseph Smith Translation [JST]. “Ye are” makes the joint statement found in both KJV and JST, “even unto this day” clear for those in Babylon are just as wicked as their forefathers were. Their forefather did not listen to the Lord and follow his directives, nor do they. Why then would the Lord speak when Israel has not and is not now listening to his words? His silence is in fact a manifestation of his tender mercy for to give them more and they continue to be disobedient, would only bring them greater condemnation! This truth was taught by the prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon.

The Lord speaks to Ezekiel regarding the gathering of scattered Israel in the latter days.

At a time in the future, the Lord will gather scattered Israel out of the countries wherein they live. They will be refined and purified.

Those who are gathered will divide themselves into two groups. One group will consist of those who are gathered who will willingly make their covenant with the Lord, and will accept their obligation to serve the Lord and keep his commandments. The second group will choose not to accept the offer by the Lord’s to enter into a covenant with him. Instead, they will rebel against Him.

The “rebels’ of the second group will lose their opportunity to come into the fold of the Lord, and will thereby lose the reward that might had been theirs.

In the latter days the Lord will gather through the missionary work, his remnant from among the children of the nations and bring them under the bond of the covenant (gospel), and purge the rebellious element from among them. Those who accept the invitation from the Lord, will do so with the desire to be numbered among his righteous people.

Ezekiel outlines the sins of the people of Judah that brought them into captivity and will result in the final destruction of the city of Jerusalem. Their sins include: idolatry (vs. 3), shed blood [murder] (vs. 4), made light of parents(vs. 7), wronged the fatherless and the widow (vs. 7), despised holy things (vs .8), profaned the Sabbath (vs. 8), committed incest (vs. 11), and made dishonest gains (vs. 12-13). In short they have set a naught the counsel and guidance they have received from the Lord through his holy prophets.

As a people, they are going to be tried in the furnace of affliction which is one of the factors in Israel being scattered throughout all the nations of the earth.

It is important to understand that this prophecy was given by the Lord to the Babylonian captivities prior to the final siege of Jerusalem so that the people might know why Jerusalem fell.

As previously noted in Ezekiel 3:17-21, Ezekiel calling as prophet was likened to the “watchman on the tower” and his responsibility was to warn. As the watchman fulfills his/her responsibility, even if the wicked do not repent, his blood is not required at the Lord’s hand. However if he/she does not open their mouths and warn the wicked, the Lord will hold the individual responsible for failing to offer the voice of warning!

In Ezekiel 18:24-28, the Lord speaks directly to the righteous and the wicked. He speaks first to the righteous who fail to continue in righteousness, but later turn to wickedness. He shall be held responsible for his failure to continue in his/her righteousness. To the wicked who turns from their wickedness and “keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right” (Ezekiel 18:21), shall have his/her sins forgiven and “he/she shall save his soul alive” (Ezekiel 18:27).

The issues in these two previous chapters speak directly to the one who has the responsibility to warn and either the blessing or the consequences that will occur dependent upon how they fulfill their responsibility. The second involves the response of the righteous who turns to wickedness and the wicked individual who repents and turns to righteousness. Each will receive on the final day from the Lord, either punishment or blessing based upon their final state.

The importance of fulfilling our duty to the Lord in warning our neighbor and the significance of enduring in righteousness or not procrastinating our day of repentance is so important, that the Lord reiterates both concepts in this chapter (Ezekiel 33:2-9; 12-19).

We learn that word comes to the captives in Babylon that their beloved city and temple have been destroyed.

Ezekiel learns that those who are in Jerusalem and in the surrounding areas, believe that they are now the chosen recipients of the land!

The Lord informs Ezekiel that this shall not be.

Despite of the warning voice that Ezekiel had given to the inhabitants of Judah, they did not understand that the devastation that had come to their nation by the Babylonians was a direct result of their wickedness. Only on condition of their complete repentance would they again inhabit their beloved land. They had chosen to remain in their wickedness; they would now reap the consequences.

I believe that Ezekiel understood the words of the Lord and his role as watchman. He had warned the people. They had chosen not to heed his warning, therefore, they, not he, would suffer.

In confirmation of Ezekiel’s being valiant in fulfilling his calling as prophet, the Lord gives his these words.

In other words, Ezekiel you have done your duty and someday those to whom you have preached, will come to know that they had been warned and were now without excuse for their actions.

I believe that this is also true for each of us. When we are given an errand from the Lord, to share the truths he would have us speak, if the individual does not listen or even value our concern for them, someday they will know of our efforts on their behalf. It is also true, the scriptures teach, if we fail to fulfill our errand, we will also share the consequences for our lack of action.

Ezekiel had been a faithful watchman. He has sounded the alarm initially to the Judean captives and now to us. Will we also hear and then not do?, or will we learn from his warning?

I might add, Ezekiel has taught us that no one can turn from righteousness to wickedness and believe that his/her previous acts of righteousness will cancel out his/her current acts of unrighteousness. Forgiveness from the Lord comes only when we have purged sin from our lives and fully repented of our sins. It is where we are, in heart and actions at the end of our lives, that will determine our joy or regret.