Woe to the foolish prophets:
"Woe" is a term often used in prophetic literature to pronounce judgment or lamentation. It indicates impending doom or divine displeasure. The term "foolish" here refers to those lacking wisdom and discernment, particularly in spiritual matters. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). These prophets are contrasted with true prophets who speak God's truth. The foolishness of these prophets is highlighted in their failure to deliver God's true message, similar to the false prophets criticized in Jeremiah 23:16-17.

who follow their own spirit:
This phrase indicates that these prophets are not led by the Spirit of God but by their own desires and imaginations. In biblical terms, following one's own spirit often leads to idolatry and falsehood, as seen in the warnings against false prophets in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. The true prophet is one who is led by the Holy Spirit, as exemplified by prophets like Elijah and Elisha. This self-led spirit contrasts with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is a key theme in both the Old and New Testaments.

yet have seen nothing:
The phrase underscores the falsehood of their claims to visions or divine revelations. In the biblical context, true prophets receive visions and messages directly from God, as seen in the experiences of Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and Daniel (Daniel 7). The false prophets' lack of true vision is a significant indictment, as it reveals their deception and the emptiness of their proclamations. This lack of true vision is a recurring theme in the critique of false prophets, as seen in Lamentations 2:14, where false visions lead people astray.

• The opening reminds us that true prophecy originates with the Sovereign LORD, not with human imagination (2 Peter 1:21: “no prophecy was ever brought about by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”).

• Because His word is flawless (Psalm 12:6) and forever stands firm (Isaiah 40:8), it carries absolute authority.

• Throughout Scripture God prefaces warnings with this same formula—“Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:9; Isaiah 1:2)—underscoring that obedience is not optional.

• Deuteronomy 18:18-19 sets the standard: the prophet must deliver exactly what God commands; failure invites judgment (v. 20).

• “Woe” signals impending judgment (Isaiah 5:20). It is God’s sober declaration that these prophets stand condemned.

• They are labeled “foolish,” a moral verdict echoing Psalm 14:1 (“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”). Their claims reject God’s revealed truth and mislead His people (Zephaniah 3:4).

• Jeremiah 23:32: “Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams… and lead My people astray.” False shepherds draw divine opposition, not mere disapproval.

• Luke 6:26 warns, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets,” showing that popularity is never proof of authenticity.

• Instead of being led by the Spirit of God, these prophets chase personal impulses—dreams, ambitions, emotions. Ezekiel 13:2 already exposed them as those “who prophesy from their own hearts.”

• Jeremiah 14:14: “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name… a delusion of their own minds.” Self-generated visions cannot carry divine weight.

• Numbers 16:28 illustrates the opposite: Moses insists the LORD will prove who is sent by Him, not acting “of my own accord.”

• 1 John 4:1 urges believers to “test the spirits.” God’s people must evaluate every message against the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11).

• Though they flaunt spiritual sight, God declares they have received zero revelation. Their claimed visions are empty (Lamentations 2:14).

• True prophets like Ezekiel experienced unmistakable encounters—“I looked, and I saw… the heavens were opened” (Ezekiel 1:1). By contrast, these impostors invent stories.

• Jeremiah 23:16: “They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.” No actual encounter, no authority.

• Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns that even if a sign appears to “come true,” if the message leads away from the LORD, the dreamer must be rejected. The benchmark is fidelity to God’s revealed word, not impressive experiences.

Ezekiel 13:3 exposes counterfeit spokesmen: they claim divine endorsement but operate on self-inspired fantasies. God’s unchanging standard is clear—true prophecy flows from His mouth, aligns with His revealed truth, and leads His people toward obedience. Anything else earns His solemn “Woe.”

Parallel Commentaries ...