For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.
The saying was given when judgment upon Judah was near, to a people who mocked the warnings by claiming that every vision failed and that fulfillment was far off. Against that mockery it announced that there would no longer be any vain vision or flattering divination within Israel, and that the prophetic word would not be delayed or prolonged indefinitely but would come to pass in their own days, with visions no more proving vain, empty, deceptive, or failing. Those false messages concern the timing of the coming, and after they had failed they would be ended when the true time was spoken, which would surely come to pass.
The human, flattering predictions about time proclaimed after the seventh month of 1844 are unlike the earlier proclamation of time that was approved, and the promise that vain visions would cease is bound to the future disclosure of the true time to the people. The saying strengthened, comforted, and gave courage and hope to believers after the expected time had passed, including the expected time of Christ's coming, as they faced disappointment while waiting. It shows that the delay was foreseen and that words of hope were given beforehand, assuring them that apparent delay did not make the prophecy vain and that the promised event was still near, teaching them to wait patiently and to hold fast to confidence in the word rather than giving it up because of apparent delay. The chapter containing it, together with the three preceding chapters, is to be given critical thoughtful attention and studied prayerfully before God amid the perils of the last days, with the warning that unless the stumbling blocks laid by a perverse spirit are removed He will turn away.
The saying was given when judgment upon Judah was near, to a people who mocked the warnings by claiming that every vision failed and that fulfillment was far off. Against that mockery it announced that there would no longer be any vain vision or flattering divination within Israel, and that the prophetic word would not be delayed or prolonged indefinitely but would come to pass in their own days, with visions no more proving vain, empty, deceptive, or failing. Those false messages concern the timing of the coming, and after they had failed they would be ended when the true time was spoken, which would surely come to pass.
The human, flattering predictions about time proclaimed after the seventh month of 1844 are unlike the earlier proclamation of time that was approved, and the promise that vain visions would cease is bound to the future disclosure of the true time to the people. The saying strengthened, comforted, and gave courage and hope to believers after the expected time had passed, including the expected time of Christ's coming, as they faced disappointment while waiting. It shows that the delay was foreseen and that words of hope were given beforehand, assuring them that apparent delay did not make the prophecy vain and that the promised event was still near, teaching them to wait patiently and to hold fast to confidence in the word rather than giving it up because of apparent delay. The chapter containing it, together with the three preceding chapters, is to be given critical thoughtful attention and studied prayerfully before God amid the perils of the last days, with the warning that unless the stumbling blocks laid by a perverse spirit are removed He will turn away.