Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 33:2

"Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and set him for their watchman;" — Ezekiel 33:2 (ASV)

Set him for their watchman. —The same figure as in Ezekiel 3:17. Ezekiel 33:2–9 form the introduction to this renewed commission, and closely correspond to Ezekiel 3:17-21. Yet these verses have also a distinct retrospective object, and explain to the people why he had until now spoken to them so much of judgments and in such warning tones; this had been his duty, both in obedience to God’s commands and in regard for their welfare, and it would still be his duty in the future. The passage is too clear to need comment.