Chapter xii.
A new section of this book begins with the twelfth chapter and ends with
chapter xix. The judgments the Prophet had announced, the great visions
he had seen, all showing the impending doom of Jerusalem, were not
believed nor heeded by the people. This is announced by a direct
communication from the Lord in the beginning of this chapter. After he
had seen the departure of the Glory of the Lord, he spoke unto them of
the captivity all the things that the Lord had shown unto him (xi:25).
Perhaps some time elapsed before the Word of the Lord came unto him
revealing the unbelieving, rebellious condition of the people. "Son of
man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes
to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not; for they are
a rebellious house" (verse 2). Therefore the speedy judgment is again
announced and the Prophet received a series of messages and parables.
"The Word of the Lord came," and "Thus saith the Lord," are the
oft-repeated phrases in this most interesting chapter. We shall find
many solemn truths in this section, truths which have a meaning for our
times as well. May we hear His voice in these words which the
Prophet-Priest heard from Jehovah. The first chapter of this section has
two parts.