Ezekiel 7:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The moment has arrived, and the conclusion is near: let those who acquire not celebrate, and let those who part with their goods not grieve; for the plunderers will soon approach them and seize all that they own.

The appointed time had arrived, and the day loomed near. It was not solely conveyed to Jerusalem that the era of its captivity had begun, with the day upon it when the forces of Babylon would encircle it, but also to that individual who, despite delighting in the fullness of his storehouses, received the dire warning from the Lord: ‘Fool, this night your soul shall be demanded of you: and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ (Luke 12:20). Thus, the Apostle states, The time is short (1 Cor. 7:29), and elsewhere, The form of this world is passing away (1 Cor. 7:31). It is crucial to note that he referred to the present moment, indicating that it is passing by, with the shape of this world leaning toward collapse.

Those who purchase will find no joy, and those who sell will have no cause for sorrow; for judgment rests upon all her inhabitants, and he who seeks to contest the seller, hoping to alter the arrangement, will not prevail; indeed, they will all face similar misfortunes and will share in weeping and lamentation. The Prophet notes that for those still among the living, like an illusion to the vast crowd, there will be no return. Despite the weight of numerous afflictions, they do not give up on life, says the Prophet, for the prophetic vision appears unconvincing to them. The Prophet continues, informing them that one’s strength in life is an illusion; events do not always align with human expectations, and often, those who anticipate life may unexpectedly encounter death.