I cannot but admire the silence, both of the Prophet and of the people, during the seven days waiting upon the Lord. When we come to enter into the retirings of the Lord, surely a silent, humble, solemn waiting until the Holy Ghost gives a door of utterance, seems to be but the necessary conduct of poor polluted sinners, coming into the presence of an Holy God. How blessedly the Prophet gives this charge to the people. Isaiah 41:1. And what servant, what minister of the Lord, that reads the Lord's commands here given to the Prophet, but must feel concerned in all the exercises of his ministry!
Ezekiel 3:15-21
15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.
16 And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.