Ezekiel 14:9

But if the prophet is enticed to speak a message, then it was I the LORD who enticed him, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel.

Study Bible

But if the prophet
The term "prophet" in Hebrew is "navi," which refers to someone who is called to speak on behalf of God. In the context of ancient Israel, prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and the people. This phrase sets the stage for a conditional situation, indicating that the following actions are contingent upon the behavior of the prophet. It underscores the responsibility and accountability of those who claim to speak for God.

is enticed
The Hebrew word for "enticed" is "patah," which can mean to be deceived or seduced. This suggests a scenario where the prophet is led astray, not necessarily by external forces, but by internal desires or weaknesses. It highlights the vulnerability of even those chosen by God to human failings and the importance of vigilance in spiritual leadership.

to speak a message
The phrase "to speak a message" implies the delivery of a prophetic word or oracle. In the biblical context, a true message from God is characterized by truth and alignment with God's revealed will. This phrase emphasizes the gravity of speaking on behalf of God and the potential consequences of delivering a false message.

I, the LORD, have enticed that prophet
Here, the use of "I, the LORD" (Yahweh) asserts God's sovereignty and ultimate control over all events. The Hebrew word "patah" is used again, but this time it is God who is doing the enticing. This can be understood as God allowing the prophet to follow their own inclinations as a form of judgment. It reflects the biblical theme that God sometimes permits individuals to pursue their own desires to reveal their true character and bring about divine justice.

and I will stretch out My hand against him
The phrase "stretch out My hand" is a common biblical metaphor for divine intervention, often in the form of judgment or punishment. It conveys the idea of God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in holding individuals accountable for their actions. This phrase serves as a warning of the serious consequences of leading others astray.

and destroy him
The Hebrew word for "destroy" is "shamad," which means to annihilate or bring to ruin. This indicates the severity of the punishment for false prophecy. It underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards the purity of His message and the integrity of those who deliver it.

from among My people Israel
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of the judgment. The prophet is not only accountable to God but also to the community of Israel. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where the actions of individuals can have broader implications for the community. This serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the faith community and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and a key figure in delivering God's messages to the Israelites.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel, emphasizing His sovereignty and justice.

3. False Prophets
Individuals who claim to speak for God but are led by their own desires or deceit, leading the people astray.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often depicted in the Old Testament as struggling with faithfulness to Him.

5. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Prophecy
God is in control of all messages, true or false, and uses them to fulfill His purposes. This underscores His ultimate authority and the importance of seeking His truth.

The Danger of False Prophets
False prophets can lead people away from God. Believers must be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against Scripture.

Divine Judgment and Responsibility
While God may allow deception as a form of judgment, individuals are responsible for their response to His truth. This calls for personal accountability in spiritual matters.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers are called to discern truth from falsehood, relying on the Holy Spirit and Scripture to guide them in understanding God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 14:9 affect your view of prophecy and messages you hear today?

2. In what ways can you discern between true and false teachings in your own life?

3. How does the concept of God allowing deception as judgment challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?

4. What steps can you take to ensure you are not led astray by false prophets or teachings?

5. How do the warnings against false prophets in Ezekiel and other scriptures apply to the modern church context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:1-5
This passage warns against false prophets and emphasizes the importance of discerning true messages from God.

Jeremiah 23:16-32
Jeremiah speaks against false prophets, highlighting the danger of listening to those who speak from their own imaginations.

1 Kings 22:19-23
The account of Micaiah and the lying spirit sent to deceive Ahab's prophets, illustrating God's control over prophetic messages.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Paul speaks of God sending a strong delusion to those who refuse to love the truth, paralleling the concept of God allowing deception as judgment.