What are the consequences of "false visions" and "lying divinations" in Ezekiel 13:6? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 13 addresses self-appointed prophets who claimed God’s authority without having received His word. Verse 6 pinpoints their offense: “They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.” (Ezekiel 13:6) Immediate Divine Verdict • “I am against you” (v. 8) – God personally opposes them. • “My hand will be against the prophets” (v. 9) – active judgment, not mere disapproval. Personal Consequences for the False Prophets • Loss of covenant standing—“They will not remain in the council of My people” (v. 9). • Erasure of legacy—“[They will not] be listed in the register of the house of Israel” (v. 9). • Exclusion from future blessing—“Nor will they enter the land of Israel” (v. 9). • Certain death when the “wall” collapses—“It will fall and you will perish within it” (v. 14). • Ultimate exposure—God’s judgment will prove their words empty, shaming them before the people (vv. 10–15). Corporate Fallout for the People • Misguided security—false promises of “Peace” left the nation unprepared for Babylon’s invasion (v. 10). • Spiritual confusion—trust in lies obscured the true voice of God. • Shared disaster—the collapse of the “whitewashed wall” (vv. 11–13) pictures national ruin that hurt everyone who relied on the prophets’ assurances. Wider Biblical Witness • Deuteronomy 18:20 – “The prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name that I have not commanded…that prophet shall die.” • Jeremiah 14:14–15 – God sends sword and famine on prophets who “prophesy lies in My name.” • Matthew 7:15–19 – Jesus warns that false prophets are known by their rotten fruit and destined for the fire. • 2 Peter 2:1–3 – False teachers bring “swift destruction” on themselves and lead many astray. What This Reveals about God’s Character • He jealously guards His name and word (Isaiah 42:8). • He protects His people from deception, even through severe discipline. • He keeps every promise He truly makes—exposing counterfeit claims underscores His faithfulness. Take-aways for Today • Test every message—measure it against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). • Refuse flattering lies—truth may wound, but it saves; lies soothe, then destroy. • Remember accountability—anyone who speaks “for God” answers to God. • Trust the unfailing Word—when human predictions crumble, God’s written revelation stands firm (Psalm 119:89). |
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