Ezekiel 13:9

My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.

Study Bible

My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations.
This phrase indicates divine judgment against false prophets. In the biblical context, false prophets were those who claimed to speak for God but delivered messages that were not from Him. This was a serious offense, as it misled the people and often led them away from true worship. The "hand" of God symbolizes His power and authority to execute judgment. False visions and lying divinations refer to deceptive messages that were either self-generated or influenced by demonic forces. This aligns with Deuteronomy 18:20-22, which warns against false prophecy and outlines the criteria for true prophecy.

They will not belong to the council of My people
The "council of My people" refers to the assembly or gathering of God's chosen people, Israel. In ancient Israel, councils were places of decision-making and leadership. Being excluded from this council signifies a loss of status and authority. It reflects the seriousness of their offense, as they are no longer considered part of the community that seeks God's guidance. This exclusion is reminiscent of Psalm 1:5, where the wicked will not stand in the congregation of the righteous.

or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel
The "register of the house of Israel" likely refers to genealogical records or lists of those who belong to the covenant community. Being erased from this register implies a complete disassociation from the blessings and identity of God's people. This is a severe consequence, as it means losing one's place in the covenant promises. This concept is echoed in Exodus 32:32-33, where God speaks of blotting out names from His book.

nor will they enter the land of Israel
This phrase indicates a denial of entry into the Promised Land, which was a significant aspect of God's covenant with Israel. The land was a symbol of God's promise and blessing, and being barred from it signifies a loss of inheritance and divine favor. This echoes the punishment of the Israelites in the wilderness, who were denied entry into the land due to their disobedience (Numbers 14:30).

Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.
This concluding phrase emphasizes the purpose of God's judgment: to affirm His sovereignty and identity as the true God. It serves as a reminder that God's actions, whether in blessing or judgment, reveal His character and authority. This acknowledgment of God as Lord is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, underscoring the importance of recognizing His ultimate authority and the truth of His word. This is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where God's actions are intended to lead people to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him, as seen in passages like Exodus 6:7 and Isaiah 45:5-6.

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 claiming to speak for God but delivering false visions and lying divinations.

3. The House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who are in exile during Ezekiel's time.

4. The Council of My People
A metaphorical assembly representing those who are truly part of God's covenant community.

5. The Land of Israel
The promised land given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, symbolizing God's covenant promises.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between true and false prophets. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Consequences of False Prophecy
God takes false prophecy seriously, and there are severe consequences for those who lead others astray with lies.

The Importance of Truth
Truth is foundational to the Christian faith. Believers are called to uphold and speak the truth in all circumstances.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign and will ultimately judge those who misrepresent Him. This should instill a healthy fear of the Lord and a commitment to integrity.

Belonging to God's People
True belonging to God's people is marked by faithfulness to His word and His covenant, not merely by external association.

Bible Study Questions

1. What characteristics can help us identify false prophets today, and how can we apply these insights in our own context?

2. How does understanding the consequences faced by false prophets in Ezekiel 13:9 influence our view of accountability within the church?

3. In what ways can we cultivate discernment to ensure we are following true teachings and not being led astray?

4. How does the concept of being "recorded in the register of the house of Israel" relate to the New Testament understanding of the Book of Life?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to discern between truth and falsehood in a spiritual context. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
Discusses the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of speaking only what God commands.

Jeremiah 23:16-32
Warns against listening to false prophets who speak visions from their own minds rather than from the mouth of the Lord.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing and teaching that they can be recognized by their fruits.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Warns of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, exploiting believers with fabricated accounts.