You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread.This phrase highlights the corruption and sacrilege committed by false prophets in Israel. The act of profaning God indicates a severe disrespect and misuse of His name and authority. In ancient Israel, barley and bread were basic food items, symbolizing the trivial and insignificant rewards for which these false prophets were willing to compromise their integrity and divine truth. This reflects a broader biblical theme where material gain is often pursued at the expense of spiritual fidelity (e.g., Micah 3:5, where prophets lead people astray for food). The historical context suggests that during times of scarcity, such as the Babylonian siege, even small amounts of food could be tempting bribes. This phrase underscores the gravity of valuing material gain over spiritual truth, a theme echoed in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 6:24, where Jesus teaches about serving God versus wealth). By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions. 2. False Prophets Individuals in Israel who claimed to speak for God but were actually spreading lies and deceit for personal gain. 3. The Israelites God's chosen people, who were in exile in Babylon due to their disobedience and idolatry. 4. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and purification. 5. God The sovereign Lord who is addressing the false prophets through Ezekiel, condemning their actions and lies. Teaching Points The Danger of False ProphetsFalse prophets can lead people away from God's truth, causing spiritual harm. It's crucial to discern and reject teachings that contradict Scripture. The Value of Truth Truth is precious and should not be compromised for material gain or personal advantage. Upholding truth honors God and protects His people. Accountability to God Those who claim to speak for God are held to a high standard. Misrepresenting God’s word is a serious offense with severe consequences. The Importance of Discernment Believers must be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture to avoid being misled. God's Justice and Mercy God is just and will hold false prophets accountable, but He is also merciful, offering forgiveness to those who repent and turn back to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify false prophets or teachers in today's context, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves from their influence?2. In what ways might we be tempted to compromise truth for personal gain, and how can we guard against this temptation? 3. How does understanding the historical context of Ezekiel's message to the Israelites enhance our comprehension of its relevance today? 4. What role does discernment play in our spiritual lives, and how can we cultivate it through our study of Scripture? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 13:19 to ensure that we are living lives that honor God and reflect His truth to others? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 23This chapter also addresses false prophets and their deceitful practices, emphasizing God's disapproval of those who lead His people astray. Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, and emphasizes the importance of discerning their true nature by their fruits. 2 Peter 2:1-3 Peter warns the early church about false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies, exploiting believers with fabricated accounts.
People EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Alive, Barley, Bits, Bread, Cause, Crumbs, Death, Die, Died, Ear, Fragments, Handfuls, Hearken, Hearkening, Keeping, Kill, Killed, Lies, Listen, Lying, Morsels, Persons, Pieces, Pierce, Pollute, Profane, Profaned, Putting, Save, Scraps, Sending, Shame, Slay, Souls, Spared, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 13:197760 preachers, responsibilities Library That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet Should Give Heed to what Ought to Please Them. Meanwhile it is also necessary for the ruler to keep wary watch, lest the lust of pleasing men assail him; lest, when he studiously penetrates the things that are within, and providently supplies the things that are without, he seek to be beloved of those that are under him more than truth; lest, while, supported by his good deeds, he seems not to belong to the world, self-love estrange him from his Maker. For he is the Redeemer's enemy who through the good works which he does covets being loved … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Of the Character of the Unregenerate. That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech. "Now the End of the Commandment," &C. Purity and Peace in the Present Lord Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 13:19 NIVEzekiel 13:19 NLT Ezekiel 13:19 ESV Ezekiel 13:19 NASB Ezekiel 13:19 KJV Ezekiel 13:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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