Condemnation of False Prophets
Ezekiel 13:2-3 states, Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!’ God condemns those who speak from their own imagination rather than His truth.

False Visions and Divination
In verses 6-7, God highlights the false visions and divinations of these prophets, emphasizing that they have not been sent by Him. Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The LORD declares,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they hope that their words will be fulfilled.

Consequences of Deception
Verses 10-11 illustrate the consequences of false prophecy, comparing it to a flimsy wall built with untempered mortar. Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, tell those who whitewash it that it will fall.

God’s Judgment
God declares His judgment on these false prophets in verses 13-14, Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: In My wrath I will unleash a windstorm, and in My anger torrents of rain and hail will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall you have whitewashed and level it to the ground, so that its foundation is exposed.Discernment in Teaching
Be vigilant in discerning the teachings you receive. Test them against the Word of God to ensure they align with His truth.

Seek God’s Truth
Prioritize seeking God’s truth through personal Bible study and prayer, rather than relying solely on others' interpretations.

Guard Against Deception
Be aware of the potential for deception in spiritual matters and guard your heart and mind with the truth of Scripture.

Encourage Accountability
Encourage accountability among spiritual leaders to ensure they are teaching and living according to God’s Word.1. The Prophets of Israel
These are the false prophets who are misleading the people of Israel. Ezekiel 13:2 states, "Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: 'Hear the word of the LORD!'" The Hebrew term for prophet, "נָבִיא" (navi), indicates someone who claims to speak on behalf of God, but in this context, they are speaking from their own imagination.

2. The Daughters of Your People
These refer to the women who are practicing false prophecy. Ezekiel 13:17 says, "Now, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them." The Hebrew word "בָּנוֹת" (banot) means daughters, indicating that these women are part of the community but are leading others astray with their false visions.1. Israel
The chapter addresses the false prophets of Israel, indicating that the primary audience and context are within the nation of Israel. The Hebrew root for Israel is "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el), meaning "God contends" or "one who struggles with God."

2. Walls
In Ezekiel 13:10-15, the false prophets are compared to those who build flimsy walls and cover them with whitewash. This metaphorical "place" represents the false sense of security and the deceptive teachings that the prophets provide. The Hebrew word for wall is "קִיר" (qir).

3. Gaps in the Wall
In verse 5, the prophets are criticized for not repairing the gaps in the wall, symbolizing their failure to protect and guide the people properly. The Hebrew term for gap is "פֶּרֶץ" (peretz).1. Condemnation of False Prophets
The chapter begins with a message from the LORD to Ezekiel, instructing him to prophesy against the false prophets of Israel. These prophets are described as those who "prophesy out of their own imagination" (Ezekiel 13:2). The Hebrew term used here, "leb," refers to the heart or mind, indicating that these prophecies are not divinely inspired but rather originate from the prophets' own thoughts and desires.

2. False Visions and Divinations
The LORD declares that these false prophets have seen "false visions" and uttered "lying divinations" (Ezekiel 13:6). The Hebrew word for "false" is "shav," which can mean deceitful or worthless, emphasizing the lack of truth and value in their messages. These prophets claim to speak for God, but He has not sent them.

3. No Place in the Assembly of Israel
God pronounces judgment on the false prophets, stating that they will not be part of the assembly of His people, nor will they be recorded in the register of the house of Israel (Ezekiel 13:9). This exclusion signifies a complete disassociation from the community and the blessings of God's covenant.

4. Whitewashing the Wall
The LORD uses the metaphor of a flimsy wall being whitewashed to describe the false prophets' actions. They have built a weak spiritual structure and covered it with deceptive assurances of peace (Ezekiel 13:10). The Hebrew word "tapuach" for whitewash implies a superficial covering that hides the true condition underneath.

5. God's Judgment on the Wall
God promises to bring down the wall with a storm of His wrath, symbolizing the inevitable collapse of the false security provided by the prophets (Ezekiel 13:13-14). The destruction of the wall represents the exposure and failure of their deceitful prophecies.

6. Condemnation of Female Prophets
The chapter also addresses women who practice false prophecy, using magic charms and veils to ensnare people (Ezekiel 13:18). These women are accused of profaning God's name for personal gain, leading people astray with their lies.

7. God's Deliverance of His People
God declares that He will rescue His people from the clutches of these false prophets and prophetesses. He will tear the veils and charms from their hands, freeing the people from their deception (Ezekiel 13:20-21). This act of deliverance underscores God's commitment to truth and justice.

8. Reaffirmation of God's Sovereignty
The chapter concludes with a reaffirmation of God's sovereignty and His intention to restore the truth among His people. The false prophets have disheartened the righteous and encouraged the wicked, but God will rectify these wrongs, ensuring that His people know that He is the LORD (Ezekiel 13:22-23).Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize and reject false teachings.
Ask God to raise up faithful leaders who will teach His Word accurately and boldly.
Pray for protection against deception and for the strength to stand firm in God’s truth.
Seek God’s guidance in deepening your understanding of His Word and applying it to your life.

1. How does the image of whitewashing walls serve as a metaphor for the actions of false prophets?

2. Compare the actions of false prophets in Ezekiel 13 to instances of misinformation in our society today. What similarities and differences do you see?

3. How does Ezekiel 13 challenge you to evaluate the sources of information you trust?

4. How can you discern between a false prophet and a true prophet according to this chapter?

5. In what ways does God's response to the false prophets reveal His character?

6. How can you apply the lessons from Ezekiel 13 in distinguishing truth from falsehood in your everyday life?

7. How can Ezekiel 13 inform our understanding of the nature and purpose of true prophecy?

8. How does the warning against the false prophetesses broaden the message of the chapter?

9. How can the image of God tearing down the whitewashed wall inspire you in moments of doubt and deception?

10. What does the fate of the false prophets in Ezekiel 13 tell us about the consequences of leading others astray?

11. How does God’s declaration of setting His face against the false prophets affect your understanding of His justice?

12. How does the context of Ezekiel's time compare to ours when it comes to discerning false prophecies?

13. How does God's promise to save His people in verses 17-23 encourage you today?

14. How do you think Ezekiel felt when delivering this message, and why?

15. How does this chapter impact your understanding of personal responsibility in a faith community?

16. How can Ezekiel 13 guide us in maintaining integrity in our spiritual journey?

17. How can the lessons from Ezekiel 13 assist us in confronting deceit and falsehood in our present society?

18. How does this chapter challenge your personal faith journey?

19. In the light of Ezekiel 13, how would you deal with someone who claims to speak for God but contradicts biblical truth?

20. What can you do in your community to ensure that truth prevails over deceit and falsehood?