Ezekiel 12:21-28

On Prophecy, True and False

After rebuking certain prevalent forms of contempt for prophecy (Ezekiel 12:21), Ezekiel reproves the false prophets (Ezekiel 13:1) and false prophetesses (Ezekiel 13:17) of Israel. A visit from the elders next supplies the occasion for an announcement of the principles on which God deals both with false enquirers and with the prophets who answer them (Ezekiel 14:1).

(a) Contempt of Prophecy Rebuked (Ezekiel 12:21)

This contempt took two forms. On the one hand it had become a common saying that prophecy was no longer fulfilled at all (Ezekiel 12:22), and on the other hand it was supposed by many that Ezekiel's prophecies, though true, referred to a very distant future (Ezekiel 12:27). In answer to both of these false views God said that His word would be fulfilled, and that without delay.