Ezekiel 12:22 Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

Did you think to check out the proverb quoted? It is said to be in Israel but it is not listed in any of the Proverbs contained in any bible version I have read. A proverb by use in a common culture does not mean it was sent by God. How many times have we heard people use phrase that sound like bible speak but the words do not appear in the bible?

I would encourage all of us to validate scripture for accuracy, context and inclusion. If it is not in the bible then God is not bound by man’s opinion. If God said it, He is bound to His Word because God is not a liar. (Num 23:19, Heb 6:18)

²³ Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

God could say that this proverb will cease because God was not the author. What is interesting to me is the last part of this verse, the days are at hand and the effect of every vision. Once again we are left with our understanding of when and what is about to happen. Is this one of God’s days in eternity or one of man’s days meaning in a matter of hours?

The issue is one of attitude and the use of a proverb not authored by God. Culture does not change overnight and the power of God to exact change is not always according to man’s understanding or in man’s timing.

Ezekiel 12:22-24 Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.

My first instinct was to say this message was meant for Israel but as I look again it begins by addressing the prophet Ezekiel himself. Then the proverb is said to be Israel’s proverb. God asks Ezekiel about this proverb in common use. God declares the reference point and then gives instructions to be followed. God removes ambiguity.

This is what Matthew Henry had to say about verse 22. “They said, “The days are prolonged; the judgments have not come when they were expected to come, but seem to be still put off de die in diem-from day to day, and therefore we may conclude that every vision fails, because it should seem that some do, that because the destruction has not come yet it will never come; we will never trust a prophet again, for we have been more frightened than hurt.”

I can agree with the possibility that this attitude may have existed in Israel. This proverb could have become part of their culture. I am no expert in ancient culture but I am familiar with this attitude towards prophecies.

Is this a form of group think? When we allow a cultural attitude to determine what scriptures say, we have stopped listening for God in scriptures. Matthew Henry has some good words but I am not sure this was the only bad attitude in Israel. I did relate to those thoughts by experience. It became relevant to me.