Which say, [It is] not near; let us build houses: this [city is] the caldron, and we [be] the flesh.
Ver. 3. Which say, It is not near,] sc., The evil day is not. The vision that he seeth is for many days to come; and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. Ezekiel 12:22 ; Eze 12:27 See Amo 6:3 Isaiah 29:1 2 Peter 3:4. And this was likely the evil counsel they gave the king and people, lulling them asleep in the cradle of carnal security.
Let us build houses.] Though Jeremiah hath counselled us to the contrary, Jer 29:5 though he, with all the wit he hath, hath told us that this city is the caldron, and we are the flesh. Jer 1:13 Some such thing Jeremiah had indeed foretold, and these profane scoffers made a jeer at it. Captant argutias quibus elevant omnem fidem doctrinae coelestis. This made good Jeremiah complain heavily: Jeremiah 20:7,8, "I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me," &c. Our prophet Ezekiel, though he name him not, yet confirmeth his holy sayings, and threateneth his scurrilous adversaries. Ministers should stand by and for one another.