Ezekiel 13:9

My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.

Study Bible

My hand will be against
The phrase "My hand will be against" signifies divine opposition and judgment. In the Hebrew context, the "hand" often symbolizes power and action. God's hand being against someone indicates His active resistance and the execution of His judgment. This is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His intolerance for falsehood, especially among those who claim to speak on His behalf.

the prophets who see false visions
The term "prophets" refers to individuals who claim to be messengers of God. However, these are "prophets who see false visions," meaning they are deceived or deceitful, presenting visions that do not originate from God. In the Hebrew tradition, a true prophet was one who accurately conveyed God's messages. False visions are a grave offense because they mislead the people and distort God's truth.

and speak lying divinations
"Lying divinations" are false predictions or messages that are claimed to be from a divine source. In ancient times, divination was a common practice among pagan cultures, but it was strictly forbidden in Israel (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The use of "lying" emphasizes the deceitful nature of these messages, which are not only false but intentionally misleading.

They will not belong to the council of My people
The "council of My people" refers to the assembly or community of Israel, particularly those who are in a position to make decisions or offer guidance. Being excluded from this council means being cut off from the community and its leadership. This exclusion underscores the seriousness of their offense and the importance of maintaining purity and truth within the community.

or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel
The "register of the house of Israel" likely refers to genealogical records or lists of those who are considered part of God's covenant people. Not being recorded signifies a loss of identity and belonging within the covenant community. This is a severe consequence, highlighting the importance of truth and integrity in maintaining one's standing before God and within His people.

nor will they enter the land of Israel
"Nor will they enter the land of Israel" indicates a denial of the inheritance and blessings associated with the Promised Land. The land of Israel was not just a physical territory but a symbol of God's promise and favor. Being barred from entering it signifies a complete severance from God's promises and blessings.

Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD
This concluding phrase, "Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD," is a common refrain in Ezekiel, emphasizing the ultimate purpose of God's actions: to reveal His identity and authority. It serves as a reminder that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are meant to lead people to a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of His sovereignty and holiness.

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 claiming to speak for God but delivering false visions and lying divinations.

3. The House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who are in exile during Ezekiel's time.

4. The Council of My People
A metaphorical assembly representing those who are truly part of God's covenant community.

5. The Land of Israel
The promised land given to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, symbolizing God's covenant promises.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment to distinguish between true and false prophets. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Consequences of False Prophecy
God takes false prophecy seriously, and there are severe consequences for those who lead others astray with lies.

The Importance of Truth
Truth is foundational to the Christian faith. Believers are called to uphold and speak the truth in all circumstances.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
God is sovereign and will ultimately judge those who misrepresent Him. This should instill a healthy fear of the Lord and a commitment to integrity.

Belonging to God's People
True belonging to God's people is marked by faithfulness to His word and His covenant, not merely by external association.

Bible Study Questions

1. What characteristics can help us identify false prophets today, and how can we apply these insights in our own context?

2. How does understanding the consequences faced by false prophets in Ezekiel 13:9 influence our view of accountability within the church?

3. In what ways can we cultivate discernment to ensure we are following true teachings and not being led astray?

4. How does the concept of being "recorded in the register of the house of Israel" relate to the New Testament understanding of the Book of Life?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to discern between truth and falsehood in a spiritual context. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
Discusses the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of speaking only what God commands.

Jeremiah 23:16-32
Warns against listening to false prophets who speak visions from their own minds rather than from the mouth of the Lord.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing and teaching that they can be recognized by their fruits.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Warns of false teachers who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, exploiting believers with fabricated accounts.