Seminary
Lesson 138: Ezekiel 1–3; 33—“I Have Made Thee a Watchman”
a man standing in a stone watchtower overlooking a valley

Ezekiel 1–3; 33–34; 36–37; 47: Lesson 138

Ezekiel 1–3; 33

“I Have Made Thee a Watchman”

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

How can we stay safe with so many spiritual dangers in the world? The Lord calls prophets to serve as watchmen to warn and protect us. The Lord called Ezekiel to serve as a watchman for the Israelites while in Babylonian captivity (see Ezekiel 3:16–17). This lesson can help you feel a greater desire to heed the warnings of the Lord’s prophets.

Study the Scriptures

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Having 165 floors and standing 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai offers a unique view. From its observation deck, you can see up to 95 kilometers (59 miles), more than 20 times farther than the distance visible standing on flat ground.

While the Burj Khalifa is an extreme example, people have used towers to get a better view for thousands of years. The Lord used this concept to teach Ezekiel a valuable lesson about prophets.

Ezekiel had been captured and taken to Babylon, along with other Israelites. While in captivity, he was visited by the Lord and called to be a prophet (see Ezekiel 1–2).

mark iconRead Ezekiel 3:16–17 and mark what the Lord compared Ezekiel to.

In ancient times, watchmen were positioned on towers so that they could see what those below them could not. Their job was to warn the people of approaching enemies, fires, predators, or other threats.

doctrinal mastery iconEzekiel 3:16–17 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider tagging doctrinal mastery passages with the topic they teach, so you can find them easily later. Memorize the reference and key scripture phrase, “The prophet is a watchman unto the house of Israel.” Read the phrase five times, and then try to recite the phrase 10 times without looking.

In Ezekiel 33, the Lord again taught Ezekiel his responsibility to serve as a watchman and share God’s message with Israel (see Ezekiel 33:1–7).

link iconLink Ezekiel 3:16–17 to Ezekiel 33:1–7. Then read Ezekiel 33:1–7, looking for the Lord’s explanation of how prophets are like watchmen.

note iconNow that you’ve studied about watchmen, make a note next to Ezekiel 3:17 explaining why having spiritual watchmen is so important.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

What warnings have watchmen given in the scriptures?

Throughout this course, you’ve been invited to mark and tag the words of prophets.

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

President Russell M. Nelson

Prophets see ahead. They see the harrowing dangers the adversary has placed or will yet place in our path. Prophets also foresee the grand possibilities and privileges awaiting those who listen with the intent to obey. (“Stand as True Millennials,” Ensign, Oct. 2016, 31; Liahona, Oct. 2016, 53)

Reviewing annotations. Gospel Library’s mobile app allows you to review all your annotations in one place. To use this feature, go to the Study Tools section of the home page and tap the Annotations icon. If you’re using Gospel Library’s online version, just tap the Notes folder.

Take a few minutes to review the annotations you’ve made during this course, looking for the following:

  1. Warnings and counsel the Lord has given through ancient and modern prophets

  2. Blessings we can receive or challenges we can avoid by heeding these warnings

tag iconIf you have not made any markings, start now by tagging warnings you see in the following verses as “prophetic warnings.”

Why would God give these warnings? How would it bless your life to follow them?

Option B

What warnings are God’s watchmen giving today?

two people looking out from skyscraper windows

Just as the Lord called Ezekiel to be a watchman, He has called watchmen today. Like an observer atop the Burj Khalifa, they can see things we cannot.

Do you know what warnings and counsel the Lord has given through His watchmen recently?

tag iconChoose a recent general conference talk by a member of the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Read the talk and mark or tag any warnings or counsel.

As you study, consider how their warnings are evidence of God’s love.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you feel a greater desire to heed the warnings of the Lord’s prophets.

share iconShare one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

  • Three warnings or promises you previously marked or tagged.

  • One warning from general conference and how it is evidence of God’s love.

  • Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

  • Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?