23 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying , 24 "Son of man , they who live in these waste places in the land of Israel are saying , ' Abraham was only one , yet he possessed the land ; so to us who are many the land has been given as a possession .' 25 "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD , "You eat meat with the blood in it, lift up your eyes to your idols as you shed blood . Should you then possess the land ? 26 "You rely on your sword , you commit abominations and each of you defiles his neighbor's wife . Should you then possess the land ?"' 27 "Thus you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD , "As I live , surely e those who are in the waste places will fall by the sword , and whoever is in the open field I will give to the beasts to be devoured , and those who are in the strongholds and in the caves will die of pestilence . 28 "I will make the land a desolation and a waste , and the pride of her power will cease ; and the mountains of Israel will be desolate so that no one will pass through . 29 "Then they will know that I am the Lord , when I make the land a desolation and a waste because of all their abominations which they have committed ."'
30 "But as for you, son of man , your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses , speak to one another , each to his brother , saying , ' Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the Lord .' 31 "They come to you as people come , and sit before you as My people and hear your words , but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth , and their heart goes after their gain . 32 "Behold , you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. 33 "So when it comes to pass -as surely it will-then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:23-33
Commentary on Ezekiel 33:21-29
(Read Ezekiel 33:21-29)
Those are unteachable indeed, who do not learn their dependence upon God, when all creature-comforts fail. Many claim an interest in the peculiar blessings to true believers, while their conduct proves them enemies of God. They call this groundless presumption strong faith, when God's testimony declares them entitled to his threatenings, and nothing else.
Commentary on Ezekiel 33:30-33
(Read Ezekiel 33:30-33)
Unworthy and corrupt motives often lead men to the places where the word of God is faithfully preached. Many come to find somewhat to oppose: far more come of curiosity or mere habit. Men may have their hearts changed. But whether men hear or forbear, they will know by the event that a servant of God has been among them. All who will not know the worth of mercies by the improvement of them, will justly be made to know their worth by the want of them.