Ezekiel 15:1-8
Chronologically subsequent to the former prophecy and in the same timeframe (sometime between the 6th month of the 6th year and the 5th month of the 7th year of Zedekiah’s reign; time references: see 8:1 & 20:1), the LORD was compelled to condescend to the offended people in hopes they would justify God in the fires of tribulation (“wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires” – Isa. 24:15), instead of blaspheming, for neither they nor their people deserved to survive the City of Jerusalem’s fiery destruction (Ezek. 14:22-23). In reference to the fact that a very small remnant was spared, Jeremiah said, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not” (Lam. 3:22; Sovereign Mercy).