The Presumptuous Proverb
The word of the LORD addresses the proverb circulating in Israel that the days pass and every vision comes to nothing. God says He will end this saying and replace it with the truth that the days are near and every vision will be fulfilled. False visions and flattering divinations will cease, because whatever the LORD speaks He will bring to pass without delay in the days of that rebellious house.
A21gain the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 22“Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: 23Therefore 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.’ 24But say to them: ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled. For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations within the house of Israel, 25because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’”
A second version of the same skepticism is then exposed: the house of Israel says that Ezekiel's visions concern many years from now and a distant future. The LORD answers that none of His words will be delayed any longer; what He speaks will be fulfilled. The chapter therefore ends by collapsing the distance people imagine between warning and execution.
26Furthermore, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 27“Son of man, take note that the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many years from now; he prophesies about the distant future.’ 28Therefore tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘None of My words will be delayed any longer. The message I speak will be fulfilled, declares the Lord GOD.’”