How does Ezekiel 13:18 warn against misleading spiritual practices? Verse in focus “and say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all wrists and make veils of various lengths for the heads of people of every stature in order to ensnare souls! Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?’ ” (Ezekiel 13:18) Setting the scene • Ezekiel speaks during Judah’s exile, exposing false prophets who counterfeit the voice of God. • Alongside the men are “women” practicing occult arts—evidence that deception is no respecter of gender or era. • God’s “woe” signals judgment; He never shrugs at spiritual fraud. What were the “magic charms” and “veils”? • Magic charms (or “bands”)—fabric or leather amulets tied around wrists, believed to channel supernatural power. • Veils—ornamental coverings sized to fit “people of every stature,” symbolic trappings meant to manipulate destinies. • These items advertised mystical expertise, much like today’s crystals, tarot cards, or prosperity trinkets. The problem: soul hunting • God indicts them for trying to “ensnare souls”—capturing hearts and minds, diverting trust from Him to superstition. • They “preserve [their] own” souls—profiting materially and socially while imperiling others. • Parallel warnings: – Deuteronomy 18:10-12 forbids divination, calling it “detestable.” – Isaiah 8:19 exposes mediums who “whisper and mutter.” – Acts 16:16-18 shows Paul casting out a spirit of divination that profited masters. Modern parallels • Horoscopes and zodiac guidance • Energy bracelets, lucky charms, dream-catchers • “Christian-labeled” prophetic merchandise promising guaranteed miracles • Self-styled influencers trafficking in visions that contradict Scripture (Galatians 1:8) God’s response (Ezekiel 13:20-23) • He promises to tear off the charms, rip away the veils, and rescue His people. • False practitioners are exposed, stripped of credibility, and barred from ministering again. • Outcome: “Then you will know that I am the LORD” (v. 23)—true discernment restores worship to its rightful focus. Walking in truth • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1); the Holy Spirit never contradicts Scripture. • Reject merchandise or rituals that claim spiritual power apart from Christ (Colossians 2:8-10). • Cling to God’s Word; it alone “is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). • Stay alert: “The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits” (1 Timothy 4:1). Ezekiel 13:18 stands as a clear caution: any practice promising spiritual benefit outside the Lord’s revealed Word is a trap designed to hunt souls. |
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