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Ordinary Time · Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year A

Ezekiel 33:7-9

The Watchman

September 6, 2026

The Prophet Ezekiel (Sistine Chapel ceiling), Michelangelo
The Prophet Ezekiel (Sistine Chapel ceiling), Michelangelo, 1510Sistine Chapel, Vatican
Ezekiel on the ceiling, twisting round with a scroll in his fist and a hand raised, caught mid-argument with somebody out of frame.If you do not speak to warn the wicked, I will require their blood at your hand: the reading makes the prophet responsible for saying it, and this one is clearly saying it.MichelangeloSculptor first and painter under protest, who spent four years on his back on the Sistine ceiling and produced the most consequential painting in Europe.Sistine Chapel, VaticanThe pope's chapel, where conclaves are held, decorated by Perugino, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio before Michelangelo was ever asked.Sistine Chapel, Vatican
Roman Lectionary
GospelMatt. 18:15-20Mt 18:15-20
Second ReadingRom. 13:8-10Rom 13:8-10
First ReadingEzek. 33:7-9Ez 33:7-9
Responsorial PsalmPs. 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8)Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 (8)

Overview & Insights

“As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” (Ezekiel 33:11)

God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel who must warn the wicked or share their guilt. God declares that he takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but calls them to turn from their ways and live.

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Take it further: Ezekiel 33:7-9

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 33:7-11Commentary on Ez 33:7-11 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary exegesis of the watchman charged to warn the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 33: The Watchman's DutyEz 33: The Watchman's Duty Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole chapter.

Ezekiel 33:7 CommentariesEz 33:7 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregates classic commentaries on the prophet as watchman in one place.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 33Barnes' Notes on Ez 33 StudyLight

Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of Ezekiel 33.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A): Readings Agape Bible Study

A Catholic reading study that ties the watchman's charge to the duty of fraternal correction.

Background & Word Study

Ezekiel 33 in HebrewEz 33 in Hebrew Sefaria

The Hebrew text with English alongside and classical Jewish commentaries.

Ezekiel 33:7 Hebrew InterlinearEz 33:7 Hebrew Interlinear BibleHub

Hebrew word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the appointing of the watchman.

The Church Fathers

Catena on Ezekiel 33Catena on Ez 33 Catena

Patristic comments gathered verse by verse on the prophet as watchman.

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