Ezekiel 12:23

23 Tell them therefore, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: I will put an end to this proverb, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel.' But say to them, 1The days are near, and the fulfillment[a] of every vision.

Ezekiel 12:23 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 12:23

Tell them therefore
Plainly and boldly, with the greatest assurance and confidence, as from God himself: thus saith the Lord God, I will make this proverb to cease;
by quickly accomplishing the things which they, by this proverb, represented as at a great distance, and what would never be brought about: and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel;
when the things predicted shall take place: but say unto them, the days are at hand, and the effect of every
vision;
the time is hastening on, and will quickly come, when every prophecy shall be fulfilled: it was in the sixth year of Jehoiachin's captivity that these prophecies were delivered out; and in the ninth year Nebuchadnezzar came with his army, and besieged Jerusalem; so that the days were at hand; in three years' time there began an accomplishment of the above predictions, which were scoffed at in the proverb used.

Ezekiel 12:23 In-Context

21 And the word of the LORD came to me:
22 "Son of man, what is this proverb that you have about the land of Israel, saying, 'The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing'?
23 Tell them therefore, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: I will put an end to this proverb, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel.' But say to them, The days are near, and the fulfillment of every vision.
24 For there shall be no more any false vision or flattering divination within the house of Israel.
25 For I am the LORD; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, declares the Lord GOD."

Cross References 1

  • 1. [Ezekiel 7:7, 12]

Footnotes 1

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.