On January 8, during the twelfth year of our captivity, a survivor from Jerusalem came to me and said, “The city has fallen!” The previous evening the LORD had taken hold of me and given me back my voice. So I was able to speak when this man arrived the next morning.

Ezekiel 33:21-22

You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don’t act on it! But when all these terrible things happen to them—as they certainly will—then they will know a prophet has been among them.
Ezekiel 33:32-33

• Ezekiel 33 marks a major turning point in the book of Ezekiel. 
• The first 32 chapters are a series of prophecies of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations. 
• God had silenced Ezekiel's prophetic voice, restricting him to speaking only when God gave him a specific message. This was a symbol of the people's rebellion and unwillingness to listen. 
• The date in verse 21, the twelfth year of the exile, is approximately a year and a half after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. 
• The news of the city's destruction was a long time coming to the exiles in Babylon. 
• The arrival of the fugitive is the specific event that God had told Ezekiel to wait for in Ezekiel 24:25-27.
• A Fulfilled Prophecy: The arrival of the fugitive is the fulfillment of a prophecy God had given Ezekiel earlier (Ezekiel 24:25-27). This event confirms to the exiles that Ezekiel is a true prophet of God.
• The Unveiling of the Prophet: For a long time, Ezekiel was "mute" or unable to speak freely to the people. This was a symbol of God's judgment and the people's rebellion. The news of Jerusalem's fall breaks this silence. God's "hand" (the prophetic spirit) had been on Ezekiel the evening before, preparing him for the message and opening his mouth.
• A Shift in Focus: With the fall of Jerusalem now a reality, Ezekiel's ministry shifts from being a prophet of judgment to one of hope and restoration. The judgment has been carried out; now the focus will be on the future return and rebuilding of Israel.
• God's Word is True: This passage is a powerful reminder that God's word is always fulfilled, even if there's a delay. He keeps His promises, both of judgment and of restoration.
• A New Season: Just as Ezekiel's ministry entered a new season, we can recognize that our lives also have different seasons. Sometimes we are called to be watchmen, warning others, while other times we are called to bring a message of hope.
• Breaking the Silence: Ezekiel's silence was broken by a pivotal event. Similarly, a significant event in our lives, whether a personal crisis or a moment of clarity, can "open our mouths" and empower us to share the truth of God's word with renewed purpose and authority.
• God has a purpose for every season of our lives, including times of silence and waiting.

Silence has ended…remember that our personal experiences can be used by God to empower us to speak His truth and minister to others. Do not keep silent about the goodness of God.