Ezekiel 13:6

They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, 'Thus declares the LORD,' when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.

Study Bible

They see false visions
The Hebrew word for "false" is "shav," which means emptiness or vanity. In the context of Ezekiel, these false visions are not just incorrect but are devoid of divine truth and substance. Historically, false prophets were a significant problem in Israel, leading people away from God's true message. The phrase underscores the danger of relying on human imagination rather than divine revelation. It serves as a warning to discern the authenticity of spiritual experiences and teachings.

and speak lying divinations
The term "lying" comes from the Hebrew "kazab," meaning deceit or falsehood. "Divinations" refers to attempts to gain insight or knowledge through supernatural means, often associated with pagan practices. In ancient Israel, divination was strictly forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). This phrase highlights the deceitful nature of the false prophets who claimed to have divine insight but were actually leading people astray with their fabrications. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's truth rather than human deception.

They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’
This phrase is a direct affront to the authority of God. The false prophets were using the divine name to lend credibility to their messages. The Hebrew phrase "ne'um Yahweh" is a solemn declaration used by true prophets to convey God's words. By falsely claiming divine authority, these prophets were not only misleading the people but also profaning the sacred name of God. This serves as a caution against using God's name to endorse personal agendas or false teachings.

when the LORD did not send them
The Hebrew word for "send" is "shalach," which implies being commissioned or authorized. True prophets were sent by God with a specific mission and message. The false prophets, however, acted on their own initiative without divine commissioning. This phrase underscores the importance of being truly called and sent by God in any ministry or prophetic role. It reminds believers to seek confirmation of God's calling and to be wary of self-appointed leaders.

yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message
The word "wait" in Hebrew is "qavah," which can mean to hope or expect. Despite their falsehoods, these prophets anticipated that their predictions would come true, perhaps through coincidence or manipulation. This reflects a misguided confidence in their own words rather than in God's truth. It serves as a reminder that true hope and expectation should be rooted in God's promises, not in human fabrications. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in the certainty of God's word rather than in the uncertain predictions of false prophets.

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 in Israel who claimed to speak for God but delivered messages that were not from Him.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel was prophesying, particularly those in exile in Babylon.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, a significant context for Ezekiel's prophecies.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The one true God of Israel, who is being misrepresented by the false prophets.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating those who claim to speak for God. Not every message that claims divine origin is truly from God.

The Danger of False Assurance
False prophets provide a false sense of security, leading people away from true repentance and reliance on God.

Accountability for Words
Those who speak on behalf of God bear a significant responsibility. Misrepresenting God’s word is a serious offense.

Seeking God’s Truth
Believers are encouraged to seek God’s truth through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Testing
Testing the spirits and messages against the truth of Scripture is crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and spiritual health.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify false prophets or teachers in today's context, and what criteria should we use based on Scripture?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to accept "lying divinations" in our own lives, and how can we guard against this?

3. How does the warning against false prophets in Ezekiel 13:6 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are hearing and following God's true voice?

5. How can the church community support each other in discerning true teachings from false ones?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Deuteronomy 18
Discusses the criteria for true and false prophets, providing a standard for discerning God's true messengers.

Matthew 7
Jesus warns about false prophets, highlighting the importance of recognizing them by their fruits.

2 Peter 2
Peter warns the early church about false teachers, drawing parallels to the false prophets of the Old Testament.