Ezekiel 12:23

KJV

Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

KJV (with Strong's)

Tell {H559} them therefore, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I will make this proverb {H4912} to cease {H7673}, and they shall no more use it as a proverb {H4911} in Israel {H3478}; but say {H1696} unto them, The days {H3117} are at hand {H7126}, and the effect {H1697} of every vision {H2377}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'I will put an end to that proverb; never again will they use it as a proverb in Isra'el.' Tell them, 'The time has come for the fulfillment of every vision.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will put an end to this proverb, and in Israel they will no longer recite it.’ But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled.

American Standard Version

Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the fulfilment of every vision.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:23 delivers a profound divine declaration, directly confronting the prevailing skepticism among the Israelites regarding the fulfillment of God's prophecies. The Lord GOD emphatically states His intention to abolish a cynical proverb that suggested divine promises were indefinitely delayed or would never materialize. In its place, He proclaims the immediate proximity of His appointed time, asserting that the "days are at hand," and every prophetic vision will assuredly come to its full and decisive effect, underscoring His unwavering sovereignty and the certainty of His word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Ezekiel 12:22](/ezekiel/12-22 "Ezekiel 12:22 - The Proverb of Delay"), where the cynical proverb itself is quoted: "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." The people, particularly those in Jerusalem, had grown complacent and dismissive of the prophetic warnings of judgment, believing that God's pronouncements would either be perpetually deferred or simply fail to materialize. Ezekiel 12:23 is God's direct, authoritative response to this widespread unbelief, serving as a divine rebuttal that dismantles their false sense of security and introduces the theme of imminent judgment and fulfillment. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 12](/ezekiel/12 "Ezekiel 12 - Signs of the Siege") involve symbolic acts performed by Ezekiel, such as digging through a wall and carrying baggage, to illustrate the coming siege and exile of Jerusalem's inhabitants, including King Zedekiah. This context amplifies the urgency of God's declaration in verse 23, as the signs of impending doom were already being enacted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel was ministering to the Jewish exiles in Babylon (after the first deportation in 597 BC) while also addressing the remnant in Jerusalem. The period was marked by profound national crisis, leading up to the final destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC. Culturally, proverbs were a common form of wisdom and popular expression, often reflecting prevailing attitudes. The proverb in question, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth," encapsulated a deep-seated cynicism and spiritual apathy among the people. They had heard prophets warn of judgment for generations, and because immediate catastrophic consequences had not yet fully arrived, many concluded that God's threats were empty or perpetually distant. This attitude was a significant barrier to repentance and faith, reflecting a dangerous misinterpretation of God's patience as indifference or impotence.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 12:23](/ezekiel/12-23 "Ezekiel 12:23 - The End of Delay") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical revelation. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Imminent Action**. God unequivocally declares that He will put an end to the proverb of delay, emphasizing that His plans unfold according to His perfect, unyielding timeline, not human expectations. The phrase "The days are at hand" underscores that the period of grace or perceived delay is over, and the time for judgment is immediate. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**. The core message is that God's word will not return void; every vision, every prophecy given by God, will have its full "effect" or realization. This truth is foundational to understanding God's faithfulness and the reliability of His promises and warnings, a principle echoed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). Lastly, the verse functions as a stern **Rebuke of Skepticism and Unbelief**. The Lord directly confronts the people's lack of faith, which manifested in their cynical proverb. This serves as a warning against spiritual apathy, doubting God's active involvement in human affairs, and presuming upon His patience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverb (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** (H4912) This term refers to a pithy maxim, often metaphorical, encompassing sayings, parables, or even bywords. In this context, it denotes a popular, cynical expression that had become a common, dismissive retort among the Israelites. God's declaration to "make this proverb to cease" signifies His direct intervention to silence the widespread unbelief and replace it with the undeniable reality of His impending actions.
* **at hand (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** (H7126) Meaning "to approach," "to draw near," or "to be imminent," this word conveys a sense of immediate proximity and urgency. It stands in stark contrast to the people's belief that "the days are prolonged." God's use of _qârab_ here emphasizes that the time for the visions to be realized is no longer distant but is right upon them, demanding immediate attention and a change in perspective.
* **effect (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) Derived from a root meaning "to speak," this word primarily means "word," but by implication, it can refer to a "matter," "thing," "act," or "outcome." Here, "effect" signifies the substance, reality, or concrete fulfillment of what was spoken or seen in the prophetic vision. It highlights that God's pronouncements are not mere words but will manifest physically and undeniably, bringing about their intended result.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the message to follow. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a direct word from God, emphasizing that this is not human speculation but an infallible decree from the sovereign Lord, Adonai Yahweh.
* **"I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel;":** God directly addresses and condemns the cynical proverb used by the Israelites. His declaration to "make it cease" signifies His active intervention to dismantle their false sense of security and unbelief. The cessation of the proverb implies that the events it denied—the fulfillment of prophecy—will occur so undeniably that the proverb itself will become obsolete and irrelevant.
* **"but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.":** This is the counter-declaration, replacing the proverb of delay with a pronouncement of immediate fulfillment. "The days are at hand" underscores the urgency and proximity of God's judgment and the realization of His word. "The effect of every vision" asserts that every prophetic revelation, no matter how long it has been spoken, will now find its concrete and undeniable manifestation. This signifies the certainty and power of God's spoken word.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God speaks directly through His prophet, Ezekiel, using the formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which immediately establishes the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the pronouncement. This is followed by a powerful **Contrast** between the people's cynical proverb and God's emphatic declaration. The proverb, representing human doubt and delay, is directly juxtaposed with God's assertion of immediacy and certainty ("The days are at hand"). This creates a dramatic tension that highlights the conflict between human perception and divine reality. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, an authoritative pronouncement of future events that are now imminent. The statement that God "will make this proverb to cease" and that "the effect of every vision" will come to pass is a performative utterance, where the speaking of the word itself brings about its fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:23 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute certainty of His word. It teaches that God is not bound by human timelines or skepticism; His promises and warnings will always come to pass according to His perfect will. This verse serves as a divine rebuke to all forms of unbelief that dismiss the reality of God's active involvement in history and His commitment to fulfill every word He has spoken. It underscores the truth that God's patience should never be mistaken for indifference or impotence, but rather as an opportunity for repentance before the inevitable arrival of His decreed "effect." The principle here is that divine revelation is not mere speculation but a guaranteed preview of future reality, demanding a response of faith and obedience.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 12:23 holds profound relevance for believers today, serving as a potent antidote to spiritual complacency and doubt. In a world often marked by cynicism and a tendency to postpone spiritual urgency, this verse calls us to a renewed conviction in the immediacy and certainty of God's word. Whether facing personal trials where God's promises seem delayed, or observing societal decay where divine judgment appears slow, we are challenged to dismantle any "proverbs" of doubt within our own hearts. This verse compels us to live with an active expectation of God's word being fulfilled, fostering vigilance, readiness, and a deep trust in His perfect timing, even when it doesn't align with our own. It reminds us that every divine utterance, whether a promise of blessing or a warning of consequence, carries the weight of God's sovereign intent and will inevitably come to its full "effect."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "proverbs of delay" or cynical sayings might I be harboring in my own heart regarding God's promises or warnings in my life or in the world?**
* **How does the certainty of God's word in Ezekiel 12:23 challenge my patience and trust in His timing?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to live with a greater sense of "the days are at hand" concerning God's active presence and impending action?**

### FAQ

**What was the specific "proverb" that God declared He would make to cease?**

Answer: The proverb God declared He would make to cease is explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 12:22](/ezekiel/12-22 "Ezekiel 12:22 - The Proverb of Delay"): "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." This cynical saying reflected the people's impatience and unbelief, suggesting that God's prophetic warnings of judgment were either indefinitely delayed or would never come to pass. By abolishing this proverb, God was directly confronting their spiritual apathy and false sense of security.

**Why was this proverb a problem for the Israelites, and why did God address it so directly?**

Answer: This proverb was a significant problem because it fostered unbelief, spiritual complacency, and a lack of repentance among the Israelites. It allowed them to dismiss the urgent warnings of the prophets, creating a dangerous illusion that they were immune to divine judgment. God addressed it so directly because it challenged His sovereignty, His faithfulness, and the veracity of His spoken word. By declaring its cessation and the immediate fulfillment of "every vision," God reasserted His authority and the certainty of His plans, leaving no room for doubt or evasion.

**How does Ezekiel 12:23 relate to the concept of God's timing?**

Answer: Ezekiel 12:23 powerfully asserts God's perfect and often immediate timing, directly contrasting it with human impatience and perceived delays. While humans might interpret God's patience as slowness or failure, this verse clarifies that God's "days are at hand," meaning His appointed time for action has arrived. It teaches that God's timing is sovereign and precise, and when He declares that His word will have its "effect," it will manifest undeniably, regardless of how long it has been spoken or how much human skepticism has accumulated. It emphasizes that God's promises and judgments are not contingent on human belief or disbelief but on His unchangeable character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 12:23, with its emphatic declaration of the end of delay and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God declared that "the days are at hand" for the fulfillment of visions concerning Israel's judgment, so too did the coming of Christ mark the decisive "at hand" moment for the fulfillment of all redemptive prophecy. When John the Baptist proclaimed, "[Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand")," and Jesus Himself declared, "[The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is at Hand")," they echoed Ezekiel's message of divine immediacy. Jesus is the very "effect of every vision," the concrete manifestation of God's eternal plan for salvation and judgment. All the promises of a Messiah, a Suffering Servant, a Conquering King—from [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") to the prophets—culminate in Him. His crucifixion and resurrection were the undeniable "effect" of prophecies concerning atonement and victory over death. Moreover, the promise of His second coming, though seemingly delayed to human perception, is also certain and will occur when "the days are at hand" for God's final consummation of all things, as affirmed in [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return is Imminent"). Thus, Christ is the living embodiment of God's unfailing word, ensuring that no divine promise or warning will ever "fail," but will always come to its glorious and decisive "effect."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 2:1

¶ Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;

Zephaniah 1:14

¶ The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

Ezekiel 7:5

Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come.

Ezekiel 7:7

The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble [is] near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.

Ezekiel 18:3

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have [occasion] any more to use this proverb in Israel.

Matthew 24:34

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Ezekiel 7:2

Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.