Ezekiel 13:6

They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, 'Thus declares the LORD,' when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.

Study Bible

They see false visions
In the context of Ezekiel, false visions refer to the deceptive messages proclaimed by false prophets in Israel. These individuals claimed to receive divine revelations, but their visions were not from God. Historically, false prophets were prevalent during times of crisis, offering false hope and misleading the people. This phrase highlights the spiritual deception that was rampant in Israel, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 23:16, where God warns against listening to the words of false prophets.

and speak lying divinations.
Lying divinations involve the practice of predicting the future or revealing hidden knowledge through means not sanctioned by God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, divination was common, often involving rituals or omens. However, God explicitly forbade such practices in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. The false prophets in Ezekiel's time were using these methods to deceive the people, claiming divine authority for their messages, which were actually lies.

They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’
This phrase indicates the false prophets' audacity in using God's name to lend credibility to their messages. By claiming divine authority, they sought to manipulate and control the people. This misuse of God's name is a direct violation of the commandment in Exodus 20:7, which warns against taking the Lord's name in vain. The false prophets' claims were a serious offense, as they misrepresented God's will and led the people astray.

when the LORD did not send them;
The true test of a prophet is whether they are sent by God, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 14:14-15. The false prophets in Ezekiel's time were not commissioned by God, yet they presumed to speak on His behalf. This highlights the importance of discerning true prophetic messages, as emphasized in 1 John 4:1, which instructs believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.

yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.
Despite their falsehoods, the false prophets anticipated that their predictions would come true. This reflects a common human tendency to hope for validation, even when one's actions are deceitful. The fulfillment of a prophetic message is a key indicator of its divine origin, as stated in Deuteronomy 18:21-22. The false prophets' expectation of fulfillment underscores their delusion and the danger of self-deception.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. False Prophets
Individuals in Israel who claimed to speak for God but delivered messages that were not from Him.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel was prophesying, particularly those in exile in Babylon.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a significant context for Ezekiel's prophecies.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The one true God of Israel, who is being misrepresented by the false prophets.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating those who claim to speak for God. Not every message that claims divine origin is truly from God.

The Danger of False Assurance
False prophets provide a false sense of security, leading people away from true repentance and reliance on God.

Accountability for Words
Those who speak on behalf of God bear a significant responsibility. Misrepresenting God’s word is a serious offense.

Seeking God’s Truth
Believers are encouraged to seek God’s truth through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Testing
Testing the spirits and messages against the truth of Scripture is crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual health.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify false prophets or teachers in today's context, and what criteria should we use based on Scripture?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to accept "lying divinations" in our own lives, and how can we guard against this?

3. How does the warning against false prophets in Ezekiel 13:6 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are hearing and following God's true voice?

5. How can the church community support each other in discerning true teachings from false ones?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 23
This chapter also addresses false prophets, emphasizing the danger of speaking lies in God's name.

Deuteronomy 18
Discusses the criteria for true and false prophets, providing a standard for discerning God's true messengers.

Matthew 7
Jesus warns about false prophets, highlighting the importance of recognizing them by their fruits.

2 Peter 2
Peter warns the early church about false teachers, drawing parallels to the false prophets of the Old Testament.