Ezekiel 7:12

KJV

The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

The time {H6256} is come {H935}, the day {H3117} draweth near {H5060}: let not the buyer {H7069} rejoice {H8055}, nor the seller {H4376} mourn {H56}: for wrath {H2740} is upon all the multitude {H1995} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

The time has come, the day has arrived; let neither buyer rejoice nor seller regret; for wrath is coming to all her many people.

Berean Standard Bible

The time has come; the day has arrived. Let the buyer not rejoice and the seller not mourn, for wrath is upon the whole multitude.

American Standard Version

The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:12 delivers a stark and urgent prophetic declaration of God's imminent and inescapable judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. It proclaims that the divinely appointed "time" for reckoning has arrived, rendering all earthly pursuits—symbolized by the activities of buying and selling—utterly meaningless. The verse underscores the futility of material wealth and commercial endeavors in the face of divine wrath, emphasizing that this comprehensive judgment will fall upon "all the multitude" of the land without exception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7 marks a dramatic and intense shift in the prophet's message, moving from general pronouncements of judgment to a highly specific, detailed, and visually graphic depiction of the "end" for the land of Israel. The chapter is characterized by a relentless, almost frenetic, repetition of phrases that underscore immediacy and finality, such as "the end is come" found in [Ezekiel 7:2](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - The End Has Come"), "the day is near" repeated in [Ezekiel 7:7](/ezekiel/7-7 "Ezekiel 7:7 - The Day is Near") and [Ezekiel 7:10](/ezekiel/7-10 "Ezekiel 7:10 - The Rod Has Blossomed"), and "wrath is poured out" as declared in [Ezekiel 7:8](/ezekiel/7-8 "Ezekiel 7:8 - God's Wrath Poured Out"). Verse 12 is strategically placed within a section (verses 10-13) that amplifies the absolute certainty and immediacy of the impending catastrophe, specifically the Babylonian invasion. It serves to emphasize that normal life, economic activity, and material possessions will cease to have any relevance or value when God's judgment fully descends, reinforcing the chilling idea that no one can escape or profit from the coming desolation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a profoundly tumultuous period in Judah's history, primarily from Babylon, where he was exiled following the first deportation of Jerusalem's elite in 597 BC. His prophetic audience included both the exiles in Babylon, who clung to false hopes of a swift return, and those still in Jerusalem, who remained defiantly unrepentant. The "time" and "day" in this verse refer to the impending final destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred temple by the Babylonians, which tragically occurred in 586 BC. This cataclysmic event was a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry, egregious covenant unfaithfulness, and pervasive social injustice, despite generations of patient warnings from God through His prophets. In ancient Israelite society, buying and selling were not merely economic transactions but fundamental pillars of daily life, social interaction, and economic stability. By declaring these activities meaningless, Ezekiel vividly portrays a society on the brink of total collapse, where material possessions would offer no security, and the normal rhythms of life would be violently disrupted by the horrors of war, famine, pestilence, and exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Imminent and Inescapable Judgment**, where God's long-suffering patience has finally reached its limit, and the promised consequences for sin are about to be executed without delay or possibility of evasion. It also highlights the profound **Futility of Materialism** in the face of divine reckoning; worldly wealth and commercial success, which might typically bring joy or sorrow, are rendered utterly worthless when God's wrath is unleashed, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath") which states that "Riches profit not in the day of wrath." Furthermore, the phrase "wrath is upon all the multitude thereof" emphasizes the **Universality of Wrath** and **Collective Accountability** for the nation's widespread rebellion and spiritual corruption. Finally, the entire passage implicitly reinforces the **Divine Sovereignty** of God over history, demonstrating His unwavering justice, holiness, and faithfulness as He brings about His righteous purposes, even through devastating judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **time (Hebrew, _ʻêth'_):** From H6256, meaning "time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc." In this urgent prophetic context, "time" signifies a divinely appointed, specific, and decisive moment for judgment, rather than merely a general period. It conveys a profound sense of urgency, predestination, and the culmination of God's patience, indicating that the moment of reckoning has been fixed and is now at hand.
* **draweth near (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** From H5060, meaning "to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon... by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive, acquire); violently, to strike (punish, defeat, destroy, etc.)." This word intensifies the immediacy of "the day," suggesting that it is not just approaching but is on the very verge of impact, ready to "touch" or "strike" the land with its destructive force. It implies a tangible, violent, and inescapable arrival of judgment.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _chârôwn'_):** From H2740, meaning "a burning of anger; sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (fierce) wrath(-ful)." This term denotes an intense, consuming, and burning indignation. It highlights the righteous and severe nature of God's anger against the deep-seated sin and unfaithfulness of Israel. It is not a fleeting emotion but a consuming, active force that will bring about devastating consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The time is come, the day draweth near:"** This opening clause functions as an emphatic, dual declaration of immediacy and inevitability. "The time" (referring to a divinely appointed season or moment) and "the day" (a specific, decisive moment of reckoning) are not merely approaching but are already at the threshold, signaling the end of God's long-suffering patience and the imminent beginning of His judgment. The repetition underscores the absolute certainty of the impending doom.
* **"let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn:"** This imperative clause highlights the complete disruption and reversal of normal societal functions and values. In times of prosperity, buyers rejoice at acquiring goods or making good deals, and sellers might mourn low prices or slow business. However, in the face of this impending judgment, these traditional emotional responses are rendered utterly meaningless because the very foundations of economic and social life are crumbling. Possessions will offer no security, and losses will be insignificant in the face of total destruction.
* **"for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof."** This final clause provides the theological justification and grim explanation for the preceding statements. The reason why economic activity is futile and normal emotions are irrelevant is the universal and comprehensive nature of God's "burning anger." This wrath is not selective or partial but will fall upon "all the multitude," signifying that no one within the land, regardless of their status or wealth, will be exempt from the coming devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and dire message. **Repetition** is evident in the near-synonymous pairing of "the time is come" and "the day draweth near," which serves to underscore the absolute certainty and immediacy of the impending judgment, creating a pervasive sense of inescapable doom. The phrase "let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn" utilizes **Antithesis** and a form of **Chiasm** (A-B, B'-A') to dramatically illustrate the futility and reversal of normal human concerns in the face of divine wrath. The typical emotions associated with economic transactions (joy for the buyer, mourning for the seller) are rendered utterly irrelevant, emphasizing that material possessions and commercial success hold no value when life itself is threatened. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the specific activities of "buying" and "selling" stand in for all worldly pursuits and the entire economic and social fabric of the nation. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the impending collapse, where the very foundations of society will be shaken by God's righteous indignation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:12 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine judgment, demonstrating that God, in His perfect justice and holiness, holds nations accountable for their sin and rebellion against His covenant. The "time" and "day" signify a divinely appointed moment of reckoning, emphasizing that God's patience is not infinite and His warnings are not empty threats. This verse underscores the transient and ultimately vain nature of all earthly possessions and pursuits when confronted with God's ultimate authority and righteous wrath. It serves as a profound reminder that true security, lasting joy, and ultimate hope are not found in material wealth, commercial endeavors, or any worldly achievement, but solely in a right relationship with the sovereign Lord. The universality of the wrath ("upon all the multitude thereof") highlights the collective nature of national sin and its comprehensive consequences, a pervasive theme throughout prophetic literature concerning the "Day of the Lord."

* [Amos 8:2](/amos/8-2 "Amos 8:2 - The End Has Come for Israel")
* [Zephaniah 1:18](/zephaniah/1-18 "Zephaniah 1:18 - Neither Silver Nor Gold Can Save from Wrath")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:12, though rooted in the specific historical context of ancient Judah's impending destruction, carries timeless spiritual weight and profound implications for believers today. It serves as a sobering reminder that our ultimate security, hope, and identity must never be placed in the fleeting promises of this world—be it its economic stability, material comforts, social standing, or even the predictability of daily routines. Just as the buyer and seller found their pursuits utterly meaningless in the face of God's judgment, so too can our contemporary preoccupations with wealth accumulation, career advancement, social status, or even mundane anxieties become utterly trivial when confronted with eternal realities. This verse calls us to live with an urgent, eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual preparedness, genuine repentance, and a deep, abiding relationship with God above all earthly acquisitions and concerns. It challenges us to honestly examine where our true treasures lie and to cultivate a heart that is not bound by the temporary and perishable nature of this world, but rather fixed on the enduring kingdom of God and His righteousness. Living in light of the truth that "the day draweth near" encourages a radical reorientation of our priorities towards Christ and His purposes, fostering a life of faithfulness, obedience, and readiness for His return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "buying and selling" (worldly pursuits, anxieties, or investments of time/energy) in my life might be distracting me from eternal realities and my relationship with God?**
* **How does the concept of God's "wrath" in this verse deepen my understanding of His perfect justice, holiness, and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what specific ways am I currently placing my trust or finding my security in temporary earthly provisions rather than in God's unchanging sovereignty and provision?**
* **If "the day draweth near" for my own life or for Christ's return, how would my daily priorities, actions, and relationships fundamentally change?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God discourages economic activity or material possessions?**

Answer: Not inherently. The Bible generally affirms honest labor, responsible stewardship of resources, and even the enjoyment of God's provision. However, Ezekiel 7:12 is a prophetic warning delivered in a context of severe national apostasy and impending divine judgment. Its core message is that in such a crisis, or in the ultimate "Day of the Lord," material wealth loses all power to save, provide security, or bring lasting joy. The point is not that economic activity is inherently bad, but that it becomes utterly meaningless and futile when divine judgment is at hand, emphasizing the vanity of earthly treasures compared to eternal realities, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"), "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."

**Is God's wrath arbitrary or unloving?**

Answer: No. In the biblical narrative, God's wrath, as seen in Ezekiel 7:12, is never arbitrary or capricious. It is consistently portrayed as a righteous, holy, and just response to persistent sin, rebellion, and the breaking of His covenant. It flows from His perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to His own holy character and moral order. While severe and terrifying in its consequences, it is a demonstration of His holiness, not a capricious outburst. God's wrath is always a consequence of human unfaithfulness, serving to uphold His moral order and ultimately to bring about redemption for those who turn to Him in repentance, as described in [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness"), which states, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men."

**How does "the time is come, the day draweth near" apply to us today?**

Answer: While the immediate fulfillment of this prophecy was the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, the phrase carries a timeless theological principle that transcends its original historical context. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over history and the certainty of future judgment for all humanity. For believers today, it points forward to the "Day of the Lord" in the New Testament, which primarily refers to Christ's second coming. This future event will bring final judgment for the unrighteous and ultimate salvation and glorification for the faithful, as highlighted in [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief"). Therefore, Ezekiel's urgent declaration calls us to live with spiritual urgency, prepared for Christ's return, and to prioritize eternal values over temporal ones, knowing that our earthly days are finite and accountability awaits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:12, with its stark declaration of impending wrath and the utter futility of earthly pursuits in the face of divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "time" and "day" of judgment, so terrifyingly near in Ezekiel's prophecy for ancient Judah, point forward to the ultimate "Day of the Lord" in the New Testament, a day of both profound judgment and glorious salvation. For all who are "in Christ," the consuming wrath prophesied in Ezekiel has been fully absorbed and propitiated by the substitutionary sacrifice of the [Lamb of God on the cross](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, through His atoning death, bore the full weight of God's righteous anger against sin, thereby delivering believers from the condemnation that would otherwise fall upon "all the multitude" ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). While the "day draweth near" still signifies the certainty of Christ's return for final judgment, for the true believer, it is a day of hope, consummation, and eternal joy, not dread. The futility of earthly possessions and commercial activities in Ezekiel's context powerfully foreshadows Christ's teaching to store up [treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven"), where moth and rust cannot destroy. This reminds us that true security, lasting joy, and eternal inheritance are found only in Him, our ultimate Buyer and Redeemer, who purchased us with His own precious blood, not with perishable things like silver or gold ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). In Christ, the "time" of judgment has passed for the believer, replaced by the "day" of salvation and eternal life.

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

1 Corinthians 7:29

But this I say, brethren, the time [is] short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

1 Corinthians 7:31

And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Isaiah 5:13

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because [they have] no knowledge: and their honourable men [are] famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.

Isaiah 5:14

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 24:2

And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.

Ezekiel 7:5

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