Ezekiel 13:2

"Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD!

Study Bible

Son of man
This phrase is a common title used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a representative of the people. It is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel. The term "Son of Man" is also significant in the New Testament, where it is frequently used by Jesus to refer to Himself, highlighting His incarnation and messianic role.

prophesy against the prophets of Israel
Ezekiel is commanded to speak against the false prophets in Israel. These individuals claimed to speak for God but were delivering messages that were not from Him. This reflects a recurring issue in Israel's history, where false prophets led the people astray, as seen in Jeremiah 23:16-17. The true prophets, like Ezekiel, were often in opposition to these false voices.

who are now prophesying
The false prophets were actively delivering their messages during Ezekiel's time. This indicates an ongoing problem that required immediate attention. The context is the period of the Babylonian exile, where many Israelites were desperate for hopeful messages, making them susceptible to deceit.

Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination
The false prophets were not receiving divine revelation but were instead speaking from their own thoughts and desires. This is a direct violation of the prophetic office, which requires speaking only what God has revealed. This echoes warnings found in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 about the dangers of false prophecy.

Hear the word of the LORD!
Ezekiel is instructed to deliver the true message from God, contrasting the falsehoods of the other prophets. This call to "hear" emphasizes the authority and authenticity of God's word. It is a reminder of the importance of discerning true prophecy, as seen in 1 John 4:1, which advises believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites.

2. Prophets of Israel
Individuals claiming to speak on behalf of God, but who are delivering false messages from their own imagination.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is sent, specifically the exiles in Babylon, who are being misled by false prophets.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a time of judgment and reflection for the nation.

5. The LORD
The one true God, who speaks through His true prophets and condemns false prophecy.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment and test the messages they hear against the truth of Scripture.

Authority of God's Word
True prophecy aligns with the Word of God; anything contrary should be rejected.

Responsibility of Leaders
Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to speak truthfully and not lead people astray with their own imaginations.

Consequences of False Prophecy
False prophets face judgment from God, and their messages can lead people away from His truth.

Personal Reflection
Each believer should reflect on their own sources of spiritual guidance and ensure they are rooted in biblical truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify false prophets in today's context, and what criteria should we use to test their messages?

2. In what ways can believers ensure they are hearing and following the true Word of the LORD rather than messages from human imagination?

3. How does the warning against false prophets in Ezekiel 13:2 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are the potential consequences for a community or individual who follows false prophecy, and how can this be avoided?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to discern between true and false spiritual guidance. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 23:16
This passage warns against listening to false prophets who speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

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

2 Peter 2:1
Peter speaks of false teachers among the people, drawing a parallel to the false prophets in Israel.

1 John 4:1
Believers are instructed to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world.