Ezekiel 13:19

You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived.

Study Bible

You have profaned Me among My people
The Hebrew root for "profaned" is "ḥālal," which means to defile or pollute. In the context of ancient Israel, to profane something was to treat it with irreverence or disrespect, especially something sacred. The false prophets in Ezekiel's time were guilty of diminishing God's holiness and authority by spreading lies. This phrase underscores the gravity of their actions, as they were not just misleading individuals but were tarnishing God's reputation among His chosen people. The historical context reveals a time when Israel was vulnerable, and the integrity of God's word was crucial for their survival and spiritual health.

for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread
This phrase highlights the trivial and materialistic motivations behind the false prophets' actions. Barley and bread were basic food items, indicating that these prophets were willing to compromise divine truth for minimal, earthly gain. The Hebrew culture placed a high value on hospitality and provision, yet here, the prophets' greed led them to betray their sacred duty for mere sustenance. This reflects a broader biblical theme where materialism and greed lead to spiritual corruption, as seen in other scriptures like the account of Esau selling his birthright for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34).

By lying to My people, who listen to lies
The act of lying is condemned throughout scripture, as it is contrary to God's nature, who is the embodiment of truth. The Hebrew word for "lying" is "kazab," which means to deceive or disappoint. The false prophets were not only spreading falsehoods but were also exploiting the people's willingness to believe these lies. This phrase serves as a warning about the dangers of false teachings and the responsibility of leaders to uphold truth. It also reflects the human tendency to seek out messages that align with personal desires rather than divine truth, a theme echoed in the New Testament (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

you have killed those who should not have died
This phrase indicates the severe consequences of the false prophets' deceptions. The Hebrew word for "killed" is "harag," which implies causing death or destruction. Spiritually, this can be understood as leading people away from God's protection and into paths that result in their downfall. Historically, this could refer to the physical and spiritual demise of individuals who followed false guidance, leading to their destruction. It emphasizes the power of words and teachings to bring life or death, a concept reinforced in Proverbs 18:21.

and spared those who should not live
The Hebrew word for "spared" is "ḥayah," meaning to let live or preserve. This phrase suggests that the false prophets were allowing or encouraging the continuation of sinful behaviors and individuals who were detrimental to the community's spiritual health. In a broader biblical context, this reflects the theme of divine justice, where God desires righteousness and the removal of sin. The false prophets' actions were contrary to God's will, as they protected and perpetuated evil rather than promoting repentance and holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions.

2. False Prophets
Individuals in Israel who claimed to speak for God but were actually spreading lies and deceit for personal gain.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who were in exile in Babylon due to their disobedience and idolatry.

4. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and purification.

5. God
The sovereign Lord who is addressing the false prophets through Ezekiel, condemning their actions and lies.

Teaching Points

The Danger of False Prophets
False prophets can lead people away from God's truth, causing spiritual harm. It's crucial to discern and reject teachings that contradict Scripture.

The Value of Truth
Truth is precious and should not be compromised for material gain or personal advantage. Upholding truth honors God and protects His people.

Accountability to God
Those who claim to speak for God are held to a high standard. Misrepresenting God’s word is a serious offense with severe consequences.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers must be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture to avoid being misled.

God's Justice and Mercy
God is just and will hold false prophets accountable, but He is also merciful, offering forgiveness to those who repent and turn back to Him.

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 might we be tempted to compromise truth for personal gain, and how can we guard against this temptation?

3. How does understanding the historical context of Ezekiel's message to the Israelites enhance our comprehension of its relevance today?

4. What role does discernment play in our spiritual lives, and how can we cultivate it through our study of Scripture?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 13:19 to ensure that we are living lives that honor God and reflect His truth to others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 23
This chapter also addresses false prophets and their deceitful practices, emphasizing God's disapproval of those who lead His people astray.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, and emphasizes the importance of discerning their true nature by their fruits.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Peter warns the early church about false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies, exploiting believers with fabricated accounts.