Ezekiel 13:22

Because you have disheartened the righteous with your lies, even though I have caused them no grief, and because you have encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways to save their lives,

Study Bible

Because you have disheartened
The Hebrew root for "disheartened" is "kahah," which means to weaken or make feeble. In the context of Ezekiel, this word underscores the detrimental impact false prophets had on the morale and spiritual strength of the righteous. Historically, the righteous in Israel relied on true prophetic words for guidance and encouragement. The false prophets, by spreading lies, weakened the resolve and faith of those who were striving to live according to God's commandments. This serves as a cautionary tale about the power of words and the responsibility of those who claim to speak for God.

the righteous
The term "righteous" in Hebrew is "tsaddiq," referring to those who live in accordance with God's laws and seek to maintain a covenant relationship with Him. In the conservative Christian perspective, the righteous are those who are justified by faith and strive to live a life pleasing to God. The historical context of Ezekiel shows a community struggling with idolatry and moral decay, where the righteous were a remnant seeking to uphold God's standards amidst widespread corruption.

with your lies
The Hebrew word for "lies" is "kazab," indicating falsehoods or deceit. The false prophets in Ezekiel's time were spreading messages that contradicted God's true word, leading people astray. This highlights the danger of false teachings and the importance of discernment. In a broader scriptural context, lies are consistently condemned as they originate from the father of lies, Satan, and lead people away from the truth of God.

when I had brought them no grief
This phrase emphasizes God's intention and character. The Hebrew word for "grief" is "ka‘as," meaning sorrow or vexation. God is asserting that He had not intended to bring sorrow upon the righteous; rather, it was the false prophets who caused unnecessary distress. This reflects God's nature as compassionate and just, desiring to protect and bless His people rather than burden them.

and because you have encouraged
The Hebrew root for "encouraged" is "chazaq," which means to strengthen or make firm. Ironically, the false prophets were strengthening the resolve of the wicked rather than the righteous. This misuse of influence is a grave sin, as it promotes evil rather than righteousness. In a conservative Christian view, leaders are called to encourage holiness and repentance, not to embolden sin.

the wicked
The term "wicked" in Hebrew is "rasha," referring to those who are guilty of sin and rebellion against God. The wicked in Ezekiel's time were those who engaged in idolatry and injustice, defying God's laws. The false prophets' actions in supporting the wicked highlight the moral inversion present in Israel, where evil was called good and good evil, a theme echoed throughout scripture.

not to turn from their evil ways
The phrase "turn from" is derived from the Hebrew "shuv," meaning to return or repent. Repentance is a central theme in the Bible, representing a turning away from sin and a return to God. The false prophets failed to call the wicked to repentance, thus denying them the opportunity for redemption. This underscores the importance of true prophetic voices that call people to repentance and transformation.

and so save their lives
The Hebrew word for "save" is "chayah," meaning to live or preserve life. The ultimate goal of repentance is salvation and life, both physically and spiritually. In Ezekiel's context, turning from evil was not only a matter of spiritual well-being but also of physical survival, as God's judgment was imminent. This reflects the broader biblical narrative where God desires all to come to repentance and experience the fullness of life in Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts.

2. False Prophets
Individuals in Israel who claimed to speak for God but delivered messages that were contrary to His will, leading the people astray.

3. The Righteous
Those who strive to live according to God's commandments and seek His truth.

4. The Wicked
Individuals who live in opposition to God's laws and engage in sinful behaviors.

5. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel was sent, specifically during a time of exile and judgment due to their disobedience to God.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Believers must be vigilant and discerning about whom they listen to and follow, ensuring that their leaders are aligned with God's truth.

The Impact of Lies
False teachings can dishearten the righteous and lead them away from God's path. It is crucial to uphold truth to encourage and strengthen the faithful.

Encouraging Repentance
True prophetic messages should lead the wicked to repentance, not comfort them in their sin. Believers are called to speak truth that leads to life transformation.

Responsibility of the Righteous
The righteous have a responsibility to seek God's truth and not be swayed by falsehoods, maintaining their faith and integrity.

God's Justice and Mercy
God desires that the wicked turn from their ways and live. His messages through true prophets are both a warning and an invitation to repentance.

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 can we encourage the righteous around us, especially when they are disheartened by the lies and deceit in the world?

3. How does the message of Ezekiel 13:22 challenge us to confront sin and encourage repentance in our communities?

4. Reflect on a time when you were disheartened by falsehood. How did you find encouragement and truth in God's Word?

5. How can we balance the message of God's justice with His mercy when sharing the gospel with others, especially those living in sin?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 23:16-17
This passage warns against listening to false prophets who speak visions from their own minds rather than from the mouth of the Lord, similar to the false prophets in Ezekiel 13.

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

2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul warns that people will turn away from the truth and gather teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear, paralleling the encouragement of wickedness by false prophets in Ezekiel.