45 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying, 46 Son of man, set your face toward the south, and drop your word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South; 47 and tell the forest of the South, Hear the word of Yahweh: Thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree in you, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burnt thereby. 48 All flesh shall see that I, Yahweh, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched. 49 Then said I, Ah Lord Yahweh! they say of me, Isn’t he a speaker of 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.