Ezekiel 13:18

and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," underscoring God's supreme power and covenant relationship with Israel. This sets the stage for a serious admonition, reminding the audience that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from God.

Woe to the women
The word "woe" is a strong expression of lament and impending judgment. It is often used by prophets to signal divine displeasure and the serious consequences of sin. The focus on "the women" indicates a specific group engaged in practices contrary to God's will, highlighting the role of false prophetesses in leading people astray.

who sew magic charms on all their wrists
The "magic charms" refer to amulets or talismans believed to have protective or magical powers. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such practices were common among pagan cultures. The act of sewing them "on all their wrists" suggests a widespread and deliberate effort to promote these superstitions, directly opposing the worship of Yahweh.

and make veils of every size to ensnare souls
The "veils" symbolize deception and concealment. In the Hebrew context, these veils were likely used in rituals to manipulate or control others spiritually. The phrase "to ensnare souls" indicates a malicious intent to trap or capture the spiritual well-being of individuals, leading them away from the truth of God.

Will you ensnare the souls of My people
Here, God directly challenges the false prophetesses, highlighting the gravity of their actions. "My people" emphasizes God's personal relationship with Israel, and the rhetorical question underscores the audacity and wickedness of attempting to harm those whom God has chosen and loves.

but preserve your own?
This phrase reveals the hypocrisy and self-interest of the false prophetesses. While they endanger others, they seek to protect themselves, showing a blatant disregard for the well-being of God's people. This self-preservation at the expense of others is condemned by God, who values justice and righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. False Prophetesses
Women in Israel who engaged in deceptive practices, using magic charms and veils to mislead the people.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to condemn the false practices.

4. The People of Israel
The audience of Ezekiel's prophecy, who are being misled by false prophets and prophetesses.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a time of judgment and reflection for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Discernment Against Deception
Believers must be vigilant and discerning to avoid being misled by false teachings and practices that contradict God's Word.

The Danger of False Security
The false prophetesses offered a false sense of security, which can lead people away from true reliance on God.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God sees and judges all actions, especially those that lead His people astray. His justice will prevail against deceit.

The Importance of True Prophecy
True prophecy aligns with God's Word and His character, serving to edify and guide His people.

Personal Responsibility
Each believer is responsible for seeking truth and aligning their life with God's commands, avoiding practices that ensnare the soul.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day equivalents of the "magic charms" and "veils" mentioned in Ezekiel 13:18, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does the warning against false prophetesses in Ezekiel 13:18 relate to the broader biblical theme of false prophecy?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are discerning true teachings from false ones in our spiritual journey?

4. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our interpretation of Ezekiel 13:18?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt misled by false teachings or practices. How did you find your way back to the truth of God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage condemns practices such as divination and sorcery, which are similar to the actions of the false prophetesses in Ezekiel 13:18.

Jeremiah 23:16-17
Jeremiah warns against listening to false prophets who speak visions from their own minds rather than from the mouth of the Lord.

Acts 16:16-18
The account of Paul casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, illustrating the New Testament stance against sorcery and false prophecy.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Peter warns of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, similar to the deceitful practices condemned in Ezekiel.