2021-7-22

Ezekiel 13:1-23

False Prophets Condemned

　　　A false prophet is a person who spreads false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God. In the Bible, false prophets also spoke on behalf of false gods. False prophets functioned in their prophetic role illegitimately or for the purpose of deception. The Bible denounces false prophets for leading people astray.

　　　In the Old Testament, the actual term false prophet does not occur, but references to false prophets are evident and abundant. In Jeremiah 14:14, a clear description of false prophets is given: “Then the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds’”.

　　　The primary difference between a true prophet of God and false prophets was their source of information. Rather than speak the Word of the Lord, false prophets delivered messages that originated in their own hearts and minds: “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD’”  (Jeremiah 23:16). God distances Himself from all false prophets: “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied” (Jeremiah 23:21).

　　　As we read Ezekiel 13, we see this true prophet of God instructed by the Lord to speak against the (false) ‘prophets of Israel’.  He uses two images to describe them: 1.  ‘jackals’ – wild dogs that feed on dead and live prey and often hunt cooperatively.  These ‘wild dogs’ live among the ruins, separate from society and useless to it.   2.  and ‘flimsy walls’ that are whitewashed, untrustworthy and impermanent.

　　　The false prophets do not risk themselves for the people of Israel.  When the enemy comes against Israel, they do not run into the breaches (gaps) to protect the people like Moses did; they fade away.  Ultimately, only Jesus Christ can stand in the breach between God and humanity.  Praise to the Father for sending the Son.

　　　God promises to raise His hand against the false prophets and in verses 9-16, we read how God will expose their lies.

　　　In verses 17-23, Ezekiel addresses the imposter prophetess’ who are practitioners of magic and sorcery, selling amulets and charms.  He promises to deliver from them those that have been falsely imprisoned with their ‘magic’.  He ends the chapter with the familiar words ‘And you shall know that I am the LORD’!

Summary: 

　　　As Ezekiel talks about these deceivers, we are give some characteristics to look out for.  We know false prophets will continue to rise, ultimately ending with the Antichrist.  And our Jesus will come from heaven on His white horse and defeat it.  The Bible – His Living Word (Jesus) is our greatest defense and our guide to truth.  May we have the love and discipline to study the Scriptures daily.　　　— Mary Mauderer