The tradition of the prophet being a sentinel predates Ezekiel and can be found in Hosea, Habakkuk and Isaiah. Saint Caesarius opines that this image also applies to the office of bishop. Both preacher and hearer are individually accountable if no warning is given. The sinner alone is responsible if he does not heed a warning, and the punishment for disobedience is death. “You shall surely die” is a classic royal formula for giving the death penalty, delivered by kings (1 Samuel 14:44; 22:16; 1 Kings