| In the temple vision, Ezekiel quoted three proverbs of the people to expose their wrong thinking (8:12; 9:9; 11:3, 15). In this text he argues against two of their proverbs (12:21-25, 26-28), the first likely current in Judah, the second among the exiles. The structures of both arguments run parallel: revelation formula in 12:21, 26; address formula in 12:22a, 27a; proverb quoted in 12:22b, 27b; proverb refuted in 12:23-25, 28a, introduced by therefore and messenger formula; the arguments close with an assurance statement and an oracle formula in 12:25e, 28d. |
| Oracle Against Judah's Proverb 12:21-25 |
| 12:21-22 Introduction and Proverb |
| A proverb (Heb: masal*, 12:22) in this context is a short, pithy statement repeated by the people to express a general truth. Here the Lord accuses the prophet along with the people: thisproverbofyours (pl.). This does not necessarily mean that Ezekiel uses the proverb, though he may be tempted to do so (cf. 20:49). Instead, it expresses the leader's solidarity with and responsibility for the people, as when God includes Moses with those who break the Sabbath (Exod. 16:28). |
| The text may be translated, inthelandofIsrael, referring to the people in Judah (12:22, NIV). If this translation is correct, Ezekiel likely has heard the report from Judah by underground communication (cf. 33:21-22: Jer. 51:59-64). |
| 12:23-25 Proverb Reversed and Refuted |
| The NIV catches the meaning of the prophecy: "The days go by and every vision comes to nothing" (12:22). But the more literal translation of the NRSV captures the precise reversal in the Hebrew: |
 | | Thedaysareprolonged, andeveryvisioncomestonothing. (12:22)
Thedaysarenear, andthefulfillmentofeveryvision. (12:23) |
| The previous date given in this series of oracles was 592 B.C.; the next date is 591 (8:1; 20:1). Jerusalem's destruction in 587 is not far away, the fulfillment of Ezekiel's visions. The rebuttal of the proverb includes a statement against the falsevision, theflattering or smooth divination which, contrary to Ezekiel's oracles, promises a bright fu- |
|
