“The word of Yahweh
Came to me.
‘Son of man!
Speak!
To your people!
Say to them!
‘If I bring
The sword
Upon a land,
The people of the land
Shall take
One of their number
As their sentinel.’”
As usual, the word of Yahweh came to Ezekiel, the son of man. Yahweh wanted him to speak to his people. He wanted to tell them that they needed to have a sentinel or watch person taken from their ranks. This would be especially important if Yahweh was going to bring his sword against them.