Ezekiel 13:3

This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, yet have seen nothing.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase establishes the authority and divine origin of the message. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores that the message is not from Ezekiel himself but from God, demanding attention and reverence. In the context of ancient Israel, prophets were seen as mouthpieces of God, and this introduction affirms the authenticity and seriousness of the forthcoming pronouncement.

Woe
The word "woe" is a strong expression of lamentation and impending judgment. In Hebrew, it is "hoy," often used by prophets to announce divine displeasure and the consequences of disobedience. This term sets a somber tone, indicating that the message is not just a warning but a declaration of inevitable judgment for those who do not heed God's word. It reflects God's justice and righteousness, as He cannot overlook sin and falsehood.

to the foolish prophets
The term "foolish" in Hebrew is "nabal," which implies not just a lack of wisdom but a moral deficiency and spiritual insensitivity. These prophets are not merely mistaken; they are willfully ignorant and misleading. In the biblical context, a prophet was expected to be a wise and faithful servant of God, conveying His truth. These "foolish prophets" fail in their duty, leading people astray with their false visions and messages.

who follow their own spirit
This phrase highlights the self-deception and arrogance of the false prophets. Instead of seeking and delivering God's message, they rely on their own thoughts and desires. The Hebrew word for "spirit" is "ruach," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit, indicating the inner motivations and inclinations of a person. These prophets are guided by their own ambitions and imaginations rather than the Spirit of God, leading to falsehood and error.

and have seen nothing
This phrase underscores the emptiness and deceit of the false prophets' claims. In the Hebrew context, to "see" often means to receive a vision or revelation from God. These prophets claim to have divine insight, but in reality, they have received no revelation from God. Their visions are fabrications, lacking the substance and truth that come from genuine encounters with the divine. This highlights the danger of false prophecy and the importance of discernment in spiritual matters.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Foolish Prophets
Individuals claiming to speak for God but who are actually following their own imaginations and desires.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and ultimate authority, who speaks through Ezekiel to address the false prophets.

4. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying, currently in a state of spiritual and physical exile.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a time of judgment and reflection for the nation.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between true and false prophets. This involves knowing God's Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

The Danger of Self-Deception
Following one's own spirit rather than God's can lead to deception and spiritual ruin. True prophecy aligns with God's revealed truth.

Accountability for Leaders
Those in positions of spiritual leadership bear a significant responsibility to speak truthfully and faithfully represent God's message.

The Importance of Testing Spirits
As believers, we are called to test the spirits and ensure that any prophetic word aligns with Scripture and the character of God.

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God is the ultimate source of truth and revelation. We must rely on His guidance rather than human wisdom or imagination.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false prophets in today's context, and what role does Scripture play in this process?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to follow our own spirit rather than seeking God's guidance, and how can we guard against this?

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

4. What are some practical steps we can take to hold spiritual leaders accountable to the truth of God's Word?

5. How can we apply the principle of testing the spirits in our daily walk with God, especially when encountering new teachings or prophetic messages?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 23
This chapter also addresses false prophets, emphasizing the danger of those who speak visions from their own minds rather than from God.

Matthew 7
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, which aligns with the warning in Ezekiel.

2 Peter 2
Peter speaks about false teachers who will arise among believers, similar to the false prophets in Ezekiel's time.

Deuteronomy 18
Provides criteria for true prophecy, highlighting the importance of speaking only what God commands.

1 John 4
Encourages believers to test the spirits to discern whether they are from God, a principle applicable to evaluating prophetic messages.