A Popular Proverb and an Unpopular Message (EZK 12:21-28)

[12:21] The Lord spoke to me.

[12:22] “Mortal man,” he said, “why do the people of Israel repeat this proverb: ‘Time goes by, and predictions come to nothing’?

[12:23] Now tell them what I, the Sovereign Lord, have to say about that. I will put an end to that proverb. It won't be repeated in Israel any more. Tell them instead: The time has come, and the predictions are coming true!

[12:24] “Among the people of Israel there will be no more false visions or misleading prophecies.

[12:25] I, the Lord, will speak to them, and what I say will be done. There will be no more delay. In your own lifetime, you rebels, I will do what I have warned you I would do. I have spoken,” says the Sovereign Lord.

[12:26] The Lord said to me,

[12:27] “Mortal man, the Israelites think that your visions and prophecies are about the distant future.

[12:28] So tell them that I, the Sovereign Lord, am saying: There will be no more delay. What I have said will be done. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”