21 Again a message came to me from the Lord : 22 "Son of man, you've heard that proverb they quote in Israel: 'Time passes, and prophecies come to nothing.' 23 Tell the people, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will put an end to this proverb, and you will soon stop quoting it.' Now give them this new proverb to replace the old one: 'The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled!' 24 "There will be no more false visions and flattering predictions in Israel. 25 For I am the Lord ! If I say it, it will happen. There will be no more delays, you rebels of Israel. I will fulfill my threat of destruction in your own lifetime. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!" 26 Then this message came to me from the Lord : 27 "Son of man, the people of Israel are saying, 'He's talking about the distant future. His visions won't come true for a long, long time.' 28 Therefore, tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: No more delay! I will now do everything I have threatened. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!'"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:21-28
Commentary on Ezekiel 12:21-28
(Read Ezekiel 12:21-28)
From that forbearance of God, which should have led them to repent, the Jews hardened themselves in sin. It will not serve for an excuse in speaking evil, to plead that it is a common saying. There is but a step between us and an awful eternity; therefore it concerns us to get ready for a future state. No one will be able to put from himself the evil day, unless by seeking peace with the Lord.