Ezekiel 13:3

This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, yet have seen nothing.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. In the prophetic tradition, the phrase "Thus says the Lord" is a common introduction, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but from God Himself. This establishes the seriousness and authenticity of the prophecy. It is a reminder of the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, as seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Jeremiah 1:9 and Isaiah 6:8-9.

Woe to the foolish prophets:
"Woe" is a term often used in prophetic literature to pronounce judgment or lamentation. It indicates impending doom or divine displeasure. The term "foolish" here refers to those lacking wisdom and discernment, particularly in spiritual matters. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). These prophets are contrasted with true prophets who speak God's truth. The foolishness of these prophets is highlighted in their failure to deliver God's true message, similar to the false prophets criticized in Jeremiah 23:16-17.

who follow their own spirit:
This phrase indicates that these prophets are not led by the Spirit of God but by their own desires and imaginations. In biblical terms, following one's own spirit often leads to idolatry and falsehood, as seen in the warnings against false prophets in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. The true prophet is one who is led by the Holy Spirit, as exemplified by prophets like Elijah and Elisha. This self-led spirit contrasts with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is a key theme in both the Old and New Testaments.

yet have seen nothing:
The phrase underscores the falsehood of their claims to visions or divine revelations. In the biblical context, true prophets receive visions and messages directly from God, as seen in the experiences of Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and Daniel (Daniel 7). The false prophets' lack of true vision is a significant indictment, as it reveals their deception and the emptiness of their proclamations. This lack of true vision is a recurring theme in the critique of false prophets, as seen in Lamentations 2:14, where false visions lead people astray.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. Foolish Prophets
Individuals claiming to speak for God but who are actually following their own imaginations and desires.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and ultimate authority, who speaks through Ezekiel to address the false prophets.

4. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying, currently in a state of spiritual and physical exile.

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

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between true and false prophets. This involves knowing God's Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

The Danger of Self-Deception
Following one's own spirit rather than God's can lead to deception and spiritual ruin. True prophecy aligns with God's revealed truth.

Accountability for Leaders
Those in positions of spiritual leadership bear a significant responsibility to speak truthfully and faithfully represent God's message.

The Importance of Testing Spirits
As believers, we are called to test the spirits and ensure that any prophetic word aligns with Scripture and the character of God.

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God is the ultimate source of truth and revelation. We must rely on His guidance rather than human wisdom or imagination.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false prophets in today's context, and what role does Scripture play in this process?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to follow our own spirit rather than seeking God's guidance, and how can we guard against this?

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

4. What are some practical steps we can take to hold spiritual leaders accountable to the truth of God's Word?

5. How can we apply the principle of testing the spirits in our daily walk with God, especially when encountering new teachings or prophetic messages?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 23
This chapter also addresses false prophets, emphasizing the danger of those who speak visions from their own minds rather than from God.

Matthew 7
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, which aligns with the warning in Ezekiel.

2 Peter 2
Peter speaks about false teachers who will arise among believers, similar to the false prophets in Ezekiel's time.

Deuteronomy 18
Provides criteria for true prophecy, highlighting the importance of speaking only what God commands.

1 John 4
Encourages believers to test the spirits to discern whether they are from God, a principle applicable to evaluating prophetic messages.