Chapter xx.
With this chapter we enter upon the last prophecies given through the
prophet before the fall of the City of Jerusalem. There is first an
arraignment of the unfaithful nation. This is followed by the divine
announcement that the sword of the Lord is now to be drawn to do its
judgment work. The twenty-first chapter, in which this announcement is
made, has been called the sword-song. In chapter xxii another
arraignment of the people and the sins of Jerusalem is given and the
corruption of all classes, prophets, priests, princes and the mass of
people is described. Once more in chapter xxiii the wickedness and
vileness of Samaria and Judah is uncovered, corresponding to the similar
message in chapter xvi. The last prophetic message of this cycle was
given on the day when the siege of Jerusalem began. On the same day
Ezekiel's wife died; the prophet was commanded not to mourn. All this
has a meaning in connection with Jerusalem's complete fall. Thus God
waited and waited for the repentance of His people and sent these
burning messages to them till at last there was no remedy and judgment
had to come.