In verses 40-44, we can see that there is the potential for a reconciliation, when a purified people will worship in the land to which they have returned (91). God ends by saying that it will be obvious when He shows pity for the desperate and that He will be showing that pity for the respect of His own name. This really signifies that His mercy is the highest aspect of His character, and the aspect that He wants to show to the world (Dummelow 505). In the final verses of chapter 20 of Ezekiel, 45-49, God is commanding Ezekiel to proclaim judgment against the southern forests: "Set your face against it," the Lord declares, "I am about to set fire to you, and it will consume all your trees, both green and dry" (v. 47). God is using the trees as a metaphor for the people -- both green and dry is significant of those who bring fruits of righteousness and those who don't. There...

47). However, the people listening to Ezekiel respond: "Isn't he just telling parables?" (v. 49). They have dismissed Ezekiel, God and the message, taking it as a parable. Ezekiel is thus driven to a final protest: "Ah, Sovereign Lord!" (v. 49). His is frustrated by the ignorance of the people, his arduous calling, and the gravity of God's judgment (Tuell 139).
Works Cited

Allen, Leslie. World Biblical Commentary, Vol. 29, Ezekiel 20-48. Thomas Nelson. 1990.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel (Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. J. Knox Press. 1990.

Block, Daniel. The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 1-24 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing…