45 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying , 46 "Son of man , set your face toward Teman , and speak out against the south and prophesy against the forest land of the Negev , 47 and say to the forest of the Negev , 'Hear the word of the Lord : thus says the Lord GOD , "Behold , I am about to kindle a fire in you, and it will consume every green tree in you, as well as every dry tree ; the blazing flame will not be quenched and the whole surface from south to north will be burned by it. 48 "All flesh will see that I, the Lord , have kindled it; it shall not be quenched .""' 49 Then I said , "Ah Lord GOD ! They are saying of me, 'Is he not just speaking parables ?' "
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.