Ezekiel 13:16

those prophets of Israel who prophesied to Jerusalem and saw a vision of peace for her when there was no peace, declares the Lord GOD.'

Study Bible

those prophets of Israel
This phrase refers to the false prophets during the time of Ezekiel. These individuals claimed to speak on behalf of God but delivered messages that were not from Him. In the context of Israel's history, prophets were meant to be God's mouthpieces, delivering His truth to the people. However, these false prophets were misleading the nation, contributing to its spiritual decline. The role of a prophet was crucial, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:18-22, where God outlines the standards for true prophecy.

who prophesied to Jerusalem
Jerusalem was the political and spiritual center of Israel, housing the Temple, which was the focal point of Jewish worship. The false prophets directed their messages to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who were facing the threat of Babylonian invasion. Historically, Jerusalem was under constant threat due to its strategic location, making it a frequent target for surrounding empires. The false prophets' messages were particularly dangerous because they gave the people a false sense of security.

and saw a vision of peace for her
The false prophets claimed to have received visions of peace, suggesting that Jerusalem would not face destruction. This was contrary to the true prophetic messages from Ezekiel and Jeremiah, who warned of impending judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness. The promise of peace was appealing but ultimately deceptive, as it contradicted God's warnings. This mirrors the New Testament warnings against false teachers who preach a different gospel (2 Peter 2:1-3).

when there was no peace
The reality was that Jerusalem was on the brink of destruction due to its persistent sin and rebellion against God. The Babylonian threat was imminent, and the true prophets were calling for repentance. The false assurance of peace led the people to complacency, ignoring the urgent need for spiritual reform. This situation is reminiscent of 1 Thessalonians 5:3, where sudden destruction comes upon those who are lulled into a false sense of security.

declares the Lord GOD.
This phrase emphasizes the authority and finality of God's pronouncement. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) underscores His sovereignty and the certainty of His words. Throughout the Bible, God's declarations are absolute and trustworthy, contrasting with the unreliable messages of false prophets. This serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning true prophecy and aligning with God's revealed will, as seen in passages like Isaiah 55:11, where God's word accomplishes what He desires.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, Ezekiel was called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. False Prophets
These were individuals in Israel who claimed to speak for God but delivered false messages, particularly of peace, when God had not spoken such things.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, which was under threat and eventually fell to Babylon due to the people's disobedience and the false assurances of peace.

4. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and true God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets and judges falsehood.

5. Visions of Peace
The false assurances given by the prophets, which contradicted the reality of impending judgment due to the nation's sin.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment and test the spirits to ensure that messages claiming to be from God align with Scripture.

The Danger of False Assurance
False promises of peace can lead to complacency and unpreparedness for God's true plans. We must seek God's truth rather than comforting lies.

The Role of True Prophets
True prophets speak God's word faithfully, even when it is unpopular or difficult. We should value and heed messages that align with biblical truth.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign and His plans will prevail. False messages cannot thwart His purposes, and He will hold false prophets accountable.

Peace through Obedience
True peace comes from obedience to God and alignment with His will, not from false assurances or human desires.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false messages that claim to be from God in today's context?

2. What are some modern examples of "visions of peace" that might lead believers astray, and how can we guard against them?

3. How does understanding the historical context of Ezekiel's message to Jerusalem help us apply this passage to our lives today?

4. In what ways can we ensure that our hope and peace are grounded in God's truth rather than in human assurances?

5. How do the warnings against false prophets in Ezekiel 13:16 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about false teachers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 6:14
This verse also addresses false prophets who declare peace when there is no peace, highlighting the consistent message of warning against false assurances.

Matthew 7:15
Jesus warns about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing, emphasizing the need for discernment.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
Paul speaks of a false sense of peace and security before sudden destruction, paralleling the false prophets' message in Ezekiel's time.