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Ezekiel 7:12

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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.

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.

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

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.

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

Context

Ezekiel 7 is a powerful and dramatic prophecy detailing the imminent and inescapable judgment of God upon the land of Israel, specifically Judah and Jerusalem. The chapter uses vivid, almost apocalyptic language to describe the complete downfall and desolation that will befall the nation due to its widespread idolatry, violence, and rejection of God's covenant. Verse 12 is part of a larger section (verses 10-13) that emphasizes the absolute certainty and immediacy of this impending catastrophe, particularly the Babylonian invasion that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile.

Key Themes

  • Imminent and Inescapable Judgment: The repeated phrase "The time is come, the day draweth near" underscores the urgency and inevitability of God's divine wrath. This is not a distant threat but a present reality that is about to unfold.
  • Futility of Materialism: "Let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn" highlights the utter worthlessness of worldly possessions and commercial activities in the face of divine judgment. Normal economic life ceases to have meaning when survival itself is at stake. Wealth will not protect, and poverty will not exempt from the coming destruction. This echoes the broader biblical theme of the vanity of earthly treasures in times of crisis.
  • Universality of Wrath: The phrase "for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof" emphasizes that the judgment will be comprehensive. No one, rich or poor, buyer or seller, will escape the consequences of the nation's sin. It signifies a collective reckoning for a collective rebellion against God.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Underlying the entire prophecy is the truth that God is sovereign over history. He is actively bringing about this judgment, demonstrating His justice and holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "time" ('eth) and "day" (yom) in this verse are used to convey a divinely appointed and specific moment, not just a general period. The term "wrath" (Hebrew: ḥaron) signifies a burning, intense anger, indicative of God's righteous indignation against sin.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 7:12 serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust or hope in material wealth and worldly affairs. While the immediate context was the fall of ancient Judah, the principle remains: when God's judgment is at hand, all earthly pursuits become meaningless. This verse calls believers to:

  • Prioritize Spiritual Preparedness: Focus on eternal values and a right relationship with God, rather than accumulating temporary earthly possessions. As Jesus taught, "lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth" (Matthew 6:19).
  • Recognize God's Sovereignty: Understand that God is in control of all times and seasons, and His justice will ultimately prevail.
  • Live with Urgency: The "day draweth near" can be a personal call to repentance and faith, reminding us that life is fleeting and accountability awaits.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 7:29 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 5:13 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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