Ezekiel 12:22
Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Prophetic warnings began seriously with Isaiah (740-681 BC) and continued through Jeremiah (627-586 BC), Ezekiel (593-571 BC), and minor prophets. Over 150 years of warning preceded final judgment. During this time, Jerusalem survived Assyrian siege (701 BC), encouraging false belief in inviolability. The proverb reflects dangerous complacency bred by Yahweh's patience.
Historical parallels exist—Rome mocked early Christians' expectation of Christ's imminent return when decades passed. Modern skeptics mock biblical warnings about final judgment because two millennia have elapsed. Yet God's timescale differs from human impatience (2 Peter 3:8). Delay doesn't equal failure; it reflects patience. But when judgment comes, it comes suddenly and completely (Matthew 24:37-39, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the people's mocking proverb warn against confusing God's patience with His impotence?
- What does delayed judgment teach about God's character and purposes rather than about prophecy's failure?
- In what ways do modern skeptics make similar assumptions about unfulfilled prophecy regarding Christ's return?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God addresses a skeptical proverb: 'Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?' The people had developed a cynical saying dismissing prophetic warnings—'days drag on, visions fail.' This reflects skepticism born from delayed judgment. Prophets warned for decades, yet Jerusalem still stood, creating false security and mockery of prophecy.
The Hebrew mashal (מָשָׁל, 'proverb') indicates a popular saying, wisdom literature, or mocking taunt. Here it's clearly dismissive—people mocking prophetic warnings because immediate fulfillment hadn't occurred. This dangerous assumption that delay equals failure misunderstands divine patience and timing. God's delays serve merciful purposes, but persistent impenitence turns patience into stored wrath (Romans 2:4-5).
From a Reformed perspective, this verse warns against presuming on God's patience. Peter addresses similar scoffers who mock Christ's delayed return: 'Where is the promise of His coming?' (2 Peter 3:3-4). The answer: God's patience allows time for repentance, but judgment will certainly come (2 Peter 3:8-10). Delayed judgment isn't canceled judgment; it's extended opportunity that heightens accountability for those who persist in sin.