3 Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh.
3 They say, 'Haven't our houses been recently rebuilt? This city is a pot, and we are the meat in it.'
3 who say, 'The time is not near
3 They say, 'We can make anything happen here. We're the best. We're the choice pieces of meat in the soup pot.'
3 who say, 'The time is not near to build houses; this city is the caldron, and we are the meat.'
3 They say to the people, 'Is it not a good time to build houses? This city is like an iron pot. We are safe inside it like meat in a pot. '
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:3
Commentary on Ezekiel 11:1-13
(Read Ezekiel 11:1-13)
Where Satan cannot persuade men to look upon the judgment to come as uncertain, he gains his point by persuading them to look upon it as at a distance. These wretched rulers dare to say, We are as safe in this city as flesh in a boiling pot; the walls of the city shall be to us as walls of brass, we shall receive no more damage from the besiegers than the caldron does from the fire. When sinners flatter themselves to their own ruin, it is time to tell them they shall have no peace if they go on. None shall remain in possession of the city but those who are buried in it. Those are least safe who are most secure. God is often pleased to single out some sinners for warning to others. Whether Pelatiah died at that time in Jerusalem, or when the fulfilment of the prophecy drew near, is uncertain. Like Ezekiel, we ought to be much affected with the sudden death of others, and we should still plead with the Lord to have mercy on those who remain.