We come now to the major turning point in this book. References to Ezekiel’s role as a watchman (3:16–21; 33:1–9) as well as to his muteness (3:24–27; 33:22), and particularly the statement they will know that a prophet has been among them (2:5; 33:33) all bracket Ezekiel 1–33. Thematically, the concerns of the first, major movement of this work are oracles of judgment and condemnation, directed toward Jerusalem’s fall. Once Ezekiel hears from a fugitive the word that Jerusalem indeed has fallen (33:21), that mission is accomplished. However, God does not then rescind Ezekiel’s call to prophesy. Instead, God gives the prophet’s message a new direction. God removes Ezekiel’s inability to intercede (3:24–27; 33:22) and opens the way for the oracles of hope and restoration that will character…