Ezekiel 22:28

Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, 'This is what the Lord GOD says,' when the LORD has not spoken.

Study Bible

Her prophets whitewash these deeds
The term "whitewash" refers to the act of covering up or concealing the true nature of something. In biblical times, whitewashing was a common practice to make walls appear clean and new, symbolizing superficiality and deceit. The prophets in Ezekiel's time were guilty of covering up the sins and corruption of the people, particularly the leaders, instead of calling them to repentance. This reflects a broader theme in the Bible where false prophets are condemned for leading people astray (Jeremiah 6:14, Matthew 23:27).

by false visions and lying divinations
False visions and divinations were methods used by prophets to claim divine insight or messages. In the ancient Near East, divination was a common practice, but God explicitly forbade it for Israel (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The prophets in Ezekiel's time were using these practices to deceive the people, claiming to have received messages from God when they had not. This highlights the danger of relying on human wisdom and deceit rather than true revelation from God.

saying, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’
The phrase "This is what the Lord GOD says" is a common prophetic formula used to assert divine authority. However, in this context, it is used deceitfully. The false prophets were claiming divine authority to lend credibility to their messages, which were not from God. This misuse of God's name is a violation of the commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain (Exodus 20:7) and underscores the seriousness of speaking presumptuously in God's name.

when the LORD has not spoken
This phrase emphasizes the distinction between true and false prophecy. True prophets speak only what God has revealed to them, while false prophets speak from their own imaginations or desires. The Bible consistently warns against false prophets who claim to speak for God without His authorization (Jeremiah 23:21, Matthew 7:15). This serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the need to test all teachings against the truth of Scripture (1 John 4:1).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Prophets
In this context, false prophets who claim to speak for God but deliver messages that are not from Him.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying, specifically addressing their leaders and the corruption within.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled from their land, a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

5. Jerusalem
The city whose leaders and inhabitants are being condemned for their sins and falsehoods.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Believers must be discerning about whom they follow and listen to, ensuring that leaders are truly speaking God's Word.

The Danger of False Prophecy
False prophets can lead people away from God, emphasizing the need for a strong foundation in Scripture to recognize truth from falsehood.

Accountability for Leaders
Those in positions of spiritual authority are accountable to God for their teachings and must ensure they are aligned with His Word.

The Importance of Truth
Upholding truth is crucial in the life of a believer, as lies and deceit can lead to spiritual destruction.

Seeking God's Voice
Encourages believers to seek God's voice through prayer and Scripture, rather than relying solely on human intermediaries.

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 does the warning against false prophets in Ezekiel 22:28 apply to the modern church?

3. How does the concept of "whitewashing" sins manifest in contemporary society, and what are the consequences?

4. What role does personal Bible study and prayer play in discerning God's true voice amidst false teachings?

5. How can we hold our spiritual leaders accountable to ensure they are faithfully representing God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, which aligns with the deceitful nature of the prophets in Ezekiel.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Peter warns of false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies, similar to the false visions and divinations mentioned in Ezekiel.