Ezekiel 22:28

Her prophets whitewash these deeds by false visions and lying divinations, saying, 'This is what the Lord GOD says,' when the LORD has not spoken.

Study Bible

Her prophets
In the context of ancient Israel, prophets were meant to be the mouthpieces of God, delivering His messages to the people. The Hebrew word for prophet, "nabi," implies one who is called or appointed. However, in this verse, the prophets are not fulfilling their divine role. Instead, they are misleading the people, highlighting the critical issue of false prophecy that plagued Israel. This serves as a warning to discern true spiritual guidance from falsehood.

whitewash these deeds
The term "whitewash" is metaphorical, suggesting an attempt to cover up or gloss over the truth. In Hebrew, the word used can imply a superficial covering that hides the underlying corruption. This imagery is powerful, as it suggests that the prophets are not addressing the root issues but are instead making them appear acceptable. This is a call to integrity and authenticity in spiritual leadership.

with false visions
Visions were a common way God communicated with His prophets. However, these visions are described as false, indicating they are not from God. The Hebrew word for vision, "chazon," often refers to divine revelation. The presence of false visions indicates a serious deviation from true prophetic ministry, emphasizing the need for discernment and truth in spiritual matters.

and lying divinations
Divination was strictly forbidden in Israelite law (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The use of "lying divinations" suggests that these prophets were engaging in practices that were not only false but also abominable in the sight of God. This highlights the severity of their sin and the importance of adhering to God's commandments.

They say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’
This phrase is a common prophetic formula, used to assert divine authority. However, in this context, it is used deceitfully. The Hebrew phrase "ko amar Adonai YHWH" is meant to convey the weight and authority of God's word. The misuse of this phrase underscores the gravity of claiming divine endorsement for falsehoods.

when the LORD has not spoken
The ultimate indictment against these prophets is that they claim to speak for God when He has not spoken. This is a profound violation of trust and a distortion of divine communication. The Hebrew word for "spoken," "dabar," implies a direct and intentional communication from God. The absence of God's true word in their messages is a stark reminder of the importance of seeking genuine divine guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Prophets
In this context, false prophets who claim to speak for God but deliver messages that are not from Him.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying, specifically addressing their leaders and the corruption within.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled from their land, a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies.

5. Jerusalem
The city whose leaders and inhabitants are being condemned for their sins and falsehoods.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Believers must be discerning about whom they follow and listen to, ensuring that leaders are truly speaking God's Word.

The Danger of False Prophecy
False prophets can lead people away from God, emphasizing the need for a strong foundation in Scripture to recognize truth from falsehood.

Accountability for Leaders
Those in positions of spiritual authority are accountable to God for their teachings and must ensure they are aligned with His Word.

The Importance of Truth
Upholding truth is crucial in the life of a believer, as lies and deceit can lead to spiritual destruction.

Seeking God's Voice
Encourages believers to seek God's voice through prayer and Scripture, rather than relying solely on human intermediaries.

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 does the warning against false prophets in Ezekiel 22:28 apply to the modern church?

3. How does the concept of "whitewashing" sins manifest in contemporary society, and what are the consequences?

4. What role does personal Bible study and prayer play in discerning God's true voice amidst false teachings?

5. How can we hold our spiritual leaders accountable to ensure they are faithfully representing God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

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

2 Peter 2:1-3
Peter warns of false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies, similar to the false visions and divinations mentioned in Ezekiel.