45 God's Message came to me: 46 "Son of man, face south. Let the Message roll out against the south. Prophesy against the wilderness forest of the south. 47 "Tell the forest of the south, 'Listen to the Message of God! God, the Master, says, I'll set a fire in you that will burn up every tree, dead trees and live trees alike. Nobody will put out the fire. The whole country from south to north will be blackened by it. 48 Everyone is going to see that I, God, started the fire and that it's not going to be put out.'" 49 And I said, "O God, everyone is saying of me, 'He just makes up stories.'" A Sword! A Sword!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:45-49
Commentary on Ezekiel 20:45-49
(Read Ezekiel 20:45-49)
Judah and Jerusalem had been full of people, as a forest of trees, but empty of fruit. God's word prophesies against those who bring not forth the fruits of righteousness. When He will ruin a nation, who or what can save it? The plainest truths were as parables to the people. It is common for those who will not be wrought upon by the word, to blame it.