What is the meaning of Ezekiel 12:23? Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says God instructs Ezekiel to confront popular skepticism with a firm “thus says the LORD.” • Divine speech carries final authority; compare Jeremiah 1:7–9 and 2 Timothy 3:16, where God assures that His word is delivered exactly as intended. • The command “tell them” reminds us that revelation demands proclamation, not silence (Amos 3:7). • By addressing the people directly, the Lord removes any excuse that they “didn’t know” (Romans 1:20). Application: When God speaks, debate ends. Our task is to listen, receive, and relay the message unchanged (Deuteronomy 4:2). I will put an end to this proverb Israel had coined a cynical saying that visions dragged on without fulfillment (see Ezekiel 12:22; also Ezekiel 11:3). God declares He will silence that mockery. • The Lord defends His reputation (Isaiah 48:11). • Proverbs that contradict truth crumble before the God who cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). • The decisive “I will” underscores divine initiative; the people’s unbelief cannot delay His purposes (Romans 3:3–4). Application: God terminates unbelieving narratives. Modern doubts (“Nothing ever changes,” “Judgment won’t come”) will likewise be shattered when the Lord acts (2 Peter 3:3–10). and in Israel they will no longer recite it Once God moves, the false proverb becomes obsolete—no one dares repeat it. • Similar nationwide shifts occurred after Elijah’s Mount Carmel victory, when Israel cried, “The LORD, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). • Collective memory is corrected by God’s unmistakable intervention (Psalm 126:1–2). Application: Testimonies replace taunts when people see God fulfill His word (Luke 1:20, 64). Expect Him to rewrite cultural slogans that oppose truth. The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled The Lord promises immediate realization of prophetic warnings—no more delay. • Ezekiel repeats this theme in 12:25,28; compare Habakkuk 2:3, where the vision “hastens toward the goal.” • Historically, Babylon soon besieged Jerusalem (2 Kings 25), validating Ezekiel’s visions. • God’s timetable may seem slow to us, but it is perfect (2 Peter 3:9). When He signals “at hand,” urgency is warranted (Mark 1:15; Revelation 1:3). Application: Because God keeps every promise, we live watchfully, knowing that both judgment and restoration arrive exactly as foretold (Matthew 24:42, 44). summary Ezekiel 12:23 dismantles Israel’s dismissive proverb by asserting God’s immediate and unstoppable fulfillment of every prophetic vision. He authorizes Ezekiel to announce His word, ends the cynical saying, ensures it will never be repeated, and affirms that the time for fulfillment is now. Doubt is silenced, divine credibility is upheld, and God’s people are called to trust and obey without delay. |
    |