Introduction
The book of Ezekiel contains some of the most vivid and powerful prophecies in all of Scripture. In chapter 13, Ezekiel delivers a scathing rebuke against false prophets who were misleading God’s people. This chapter provides critical warnings that remain relevant for believers today.
After key introductory verses, this chapter can be divided into two major sections:
- Verses 1-16 – God’s rebuke of the false prophets
- Verses 17-23 – God’s rebuke of the false prophetesses
Viral Believer is reader-supported. We may earn a small fee from products we recommend at no charge to you. Read Our Affiliate Disclosuree
In both sections, Ezekiel condemns those who claim to speak for God but prophesy lies and deceive God’s people. As we study this passage, we should reflect on how we can avoid false teaching and cling to God’s truth.
Key Takeaways from Ezekiel Chapter 13
- God hates false prophecy and deception. He wants His people to hear and follow the truth.
- False prophets say “peace” when there is no peace. They refuse to speak God’s word faithfully.
- False prophecy often stems from the prophet’s own imagination, not from God.
- False prophecy can come through both men and women. All prophecy must be tested.
- God will act against false prophets and expose their lies. They will bear their punishment.
- True prophecy should point people to turn from sin and cling to God. It brings life, not comfort.
- God values those who faithfully speak His word, even when it is difficult.
With these themes in mind, let’s take a closer look at this powerful chapter.
God’s Rebuke of the False Prophets (Verses 1-16)
Ezekiel begins chapter 13 by receiving a message directly from God:
And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’” (Ezekiel 13:1-2 NKJV)
God specifically calls out those prophets who are speaking from their own imaginations and hearts, not communicating God’s true message.
Ezekiel is commanded to confront these false prophets with a scorching rebuke. First, he compares them to foolish builders repairing damaged walls with weak whitewash (Ezekiel 13:10-12). Though their words may sound pleasing, they fail to address the real issues afflicting God’s people.
Next, Ezekiel explains that these lying prophets have completely lost touch with God’s true purposes:
“My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 13:9 NKJV)
Because they refused to speak God’s uncomfortable truths, these prophets will face judgment and exclusion from God’s people.
Ezekiel then accuses the false prophets of whitewashing serious sins that demand repentance:
“Because, indeed, because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace—and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar— say to those who plaster it with untempered mortar, that it will fall. There will be flooding rain, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it down. Surely, when the wall has fallen, will it not be said to you, ‘Where is the mortar with which you plastered it?’” (Ezekiel 13:10-12 NKJV)
Though they speak of peace, God’s judgment will inevitably come like a destructive storm if the people do not turn from sin. The false prophets have merely delayed this day of reckoning.
Ezekiel makes it clear that God will directly oppose and punish those misleading His people:
Therefore thus says the Lord God: “I will cause a stormy wind to break forth in My fury; and there shall be a flooding rain in My anger, and great hailstones in fury to consume it. So I will break down the wall you have plastered with untempered mortar, and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation will be uncovered; it will fall, and you shall be consumed in the midst of it. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13:13-14 NKJV)
False prophecy angers God because it keeps people trapped in sin and ignorance of His truth. God promises to expose these deceptions in order to save people.
Ezekiel concludes this section by emphasizing that after God judges the false prophets, the people will finally recognize these individuals were not speaking for God:
“Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; prophesy against them, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive? And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?” ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds. I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ‘ ” (Ezekiel 13:17-21 NKJV)
These women used magic and deception to ensnare the people, profiting off their false words. But God promises to free His people from these destructive lies so that all will recognize He alone is Lord.
This section contains a potent warning against dismissing sin and avoiding the real issues plaguing our relationship with God. False teaching provides comfort at the cost of truth. But God cares too much for His people to allow this charade to continue.
Though examples like whitewash and magic charms reflected ancient times, the principles remain highly relevant. Far too often today, preachers tickle ears with pleasant platitudes while avoiding truths that confront our sin and call us to holiness. We must test all teaching to ensure it aligns with Scripture and points directly to Christ.
As in Ezekiel’s day, God continues to value those who boldly preach His word over those who soften and distort the message. Rather than pursuing easy comfort, we should hunger for messages that challenge us to pursue righteousness in the power of the Spirit.
God’s Rebuke of the False Prophetesses (Verses 17-23)
After addressing male prophets in the first section, Ezekiel now turns his attention to women engaged in false prophecy. Once again, God is furious over how deception has trapped His precious people:
“Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; prophesy against them, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and keep yourselves alive? And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?” ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds. I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ‘ ” (Ezekiel 13:17-21 NKJV)
These prophetesses used various forms of magic and deception to gain influence and profit. They hunted souls and distorted God’s truth for selfish gain.
Specifically, Ezekiel says they ensnared people’s souls using magic wristbands and veils (Ezekiel 13:18, 21). Some Bible scholars believe these items were viewed as having mystical, spiritual powers of protection and blessing. Others think they were simply props used to lend credibility to the women’s false visions and prophecies.
Regardless, God makes it clear their actions were detestable and profane (Ezekiel 13:19). He would strip away their façade and lies so the people would know He alone is Lord.
Ezekiel continues by describing how these deceivers discouraged the righteous from seeking God’s true purpose:
“Therefore you have made the hearts of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and you have strengthened the hands of the wicked, so that he does not turn from his wicked way to save his life. Therefore you shall no longer envision futility nor practice divination; for I will deliver My people out of your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ” (Ezekiel 13:22-23 NKJV)
The false prophetesses had sad effects. They encouraged the wicked by failing to call them to repentance. And they discouraged the righteous by clouding God’s true message. But God would intervene and cut off their deception.
This section reminds us that women as well as men can be vulnerable to corrupting influences. All prophecy must be tested, regardless of the speaker’s gender. God values truth over sentiment and confrontation over comfort.
We should listen to preachers and teachers based on how well their words align with Scripture, not how pleasant their message sounds. Pleasant lies produce bitter fruit in the end.
Key Principles for Discerning Truth
Ezekiel 13 remains highly relevant for helping believers discern truth from deception. Here are some key principles we can take from this chapter:
- Test all prophecy against Scripture – Does the message align with the whole counsel of God’s word? If not, reject it.
- Avoid teachers who tickle ears – Does the teaching avoid difficult truths in order to comfort listeners? Beware ear ticklers.
- Look for bold confrontation of sin – True messengers call people to repent from specific sins. False messengers say “peace, peace” to avoid confrontation.
- Consider the fruit – Does the teaching produce holiness, repentance and spiritual growth? Or does it merely offer empty platitudes?
- Beware financial exploitation -Be cautious of those who use teaching primarily for personal gain.
- Value truth over sentiment – God cares more about speaking truth than avoiding discomfort. Don’t fall for charming liars.
By applying these principles, we can avoid the deception that Ezekiel so forcefully confronted. Though speaking truth is often unpopular, we serve a God who values it above all else.
As we seek God’s truth for our lives, may we cling to Jesus who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NKJV).
Conclusion
Ezekiel 13 contains a powerful message for the church today. God expects those who claim to speak for Him to faithfully preach His word without compromise. Though the false prophets and prophetesses believed they were helping God’s people, in reality they hurt them by preventing true repentance.
Only by clinging to God’s truths, even when difficult, can the church grow into maturity in Christ. This requires humbly submitting all teaching to the light of Scripture under the Spirit’s guidance.
Rather than pursuing comfort at any cost, may the global church hunger for God’s pure truth. May our lives and communities be conformed to His word and not the other way around. As we reject falsehood in our midst, God’s promised blessings will flow to all who trust in Him.
