Ezekiel: For His GlorySample

This chapter continues the theme of prophecy. Here the Lord denounces both the false prophet and false prophetess. 

The false prophets are compared to jackals and shoddy builders (vv. 1–16). The inspiration for their message is their own imaginations (vv. 2–3). God calls these messages ‘false visions’ and ‘lying divinations’ (vv. 6–9). The outcome of their words is that they mislead God’s people, comforting the people with words of peace when the opposite is coming (vv. 10, 16). Like jackals, they burrow among ruins to speed the decay of a city, instead of reinforcing the protective wall (v. 5). God’s response to these builders who construct superficially attractive walls is that they will perish under the weight of the walls when they crumble; they will be excluded from God’s people and excluded from the Promised Land (vv. 9, 14). Then they will recognize who God really is (vv. 9, 21, 23). 

The false prophetesses are both similar to and different from their male counterparts (vv. 17–23). Again they prophesy out of their own imaginations, leading God’s people astray. Yet the women are involved in magic, including charms, bands, veils, all of which are used to control, deceive and mislead their victims. Motivated by personal profit, they profane God’s name by these evil practices (v. 19). The messages are in direct contrast to Ezekiel’s ministry as a watchman (v. 22; cf. 3:16– 21). God’s response is that He will contend for His people, destroy the tools of the magic trade and save His people (vv. 20–21). In the end, these sorceresses will also acknowledge who God is (vv. 21, 23). 

Both the false prophet and false prophetess undermine the message that God had given Ezekiel. 

Reflection 

1. Beware! False prophets are still around today, motivated by financial gain and presenting messages their hearers want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3–4).  
2. Beware! If you present God’s message, make sure you correctly handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).