1. "I have made you a watchman" (1-11)

God renews Ezekiel's calling as Israel's watchman (see ch 3). If they do not heed the warning, they will die by the sword. If he does not warn them, they will still die, but their blood will be on his hands (6). More than enemy armies, God's warning is against sin (8-9). Since both ways end in death, people lost all hope (10). What is God's motive in warning his people? He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, rather he has provided a way of life to all who would turn from their evil ways to him (11). This way is revealed in the gospel.

2. "They trust in their righteousness" (12-20)

The danger was for people of former righteous deeds to trust in their own righteousness, instead of God's way. Taking it for granted, they do evil (as all people do). Those who know they are wicked, repent and do what is right will be forgiven and live (13-16). But those who declare God's way unjust, trusting their own righteousness, will die (18).