1. The Lord spoke to me.
2. “Mortal man,” he said, “tell your people what happens when I bring war to a land. The people of that country choose one of their number to be a watchman.
3. When he sees the enemy approaching, he sounds the alarm to warn everyone.
4. If someone hears it but pays no attention and the enemy comes and kills him, then he is to blame for his own death.
5. His death is his own fault, because he paid no attention to the warning. If he had paid attention, he could have escaped.
6. If, however, the watchman sees the enemy coming and does not sound the alarm, the enemy will come and kill those sinners, but I will hold the watchman responsible for their death.
7. “Now, mortal man, I am making you a watchman for the nation of Israel. You must pass on to them the warnings I give you.