How do we know that God's word is essential for watchmen?

The necessity of God’s word for watchmen, as illustrated in Ezekiel 3, cannot be overstated. Ezekiel was commanded to eat the scroll, symbolizing the internalization of God’s message. This emphasizes that a watchman must not only know the word of God but also digest it spiritually, making it a vital part of their being. Without the understanding and application of God’s word, watchmen cannot fulfill their duty to warn the people about spiritual dangers or reassure them of God’s promises. The watchman's effectiveness hinges on their fidelity to the truth of Scripture, as it is the authoritative source by which they guide and instruct the congregation.