Compare Ezekiel 13:18 with Deuteronomy 18:20-22 on false prophecy. Passage Texts • Ezekiel 13:18: “and say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic bands for all wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every size in order to ensnare souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?’” – v20 “But a prophet who presumes to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet must be put to death.” – v21 “You may ask in your heart, ‘How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?’” – v22 “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” Historical Contexts • Ezekiel ministers to exiles in Babylon (6th century BC). The “women” are crafting occult charms, masking deception behind religious trappings. • Deuteronomy records Moses’ words on the plains of Moab (15th century BC). Israel is about to enter Canaan; God establishes lifelong safeguards for prophetic integrity. Common Threads: God’s Zero Tolerance for False Prophecy • Both passages expose people who claim to speak for God but actually speak from their own imagination (cf. Jeremiah 14:14). • The core offense: They “ensnare souls” (Ezekiel 13) and “presume to speak” (Deuteronomy 18). In each case, lives are endangered by lies. • Divine response: Woe (Ezekiel 13) and death (Deuteronomy 18). God’s holiness demands judgment. Distinctives Between the Two Passages • Method versus Measure – Ezekiel highlights the method—occult objects, manipulative rituals, emotional exploitation. – Deuteronomy provides the measuring rod—does the prophecy align with God’s command, and does it come true? • Audience Impact – Ezekiel laments that false prophetesses target “My people,” stealing hope and life. – Deuteronomy warns the whole nation how to test any prophetic voice, preventing national apostasy. • Time Frame – Deuteronomy looks forward: “When a prophet speaks…”—future test. – Ezekiel looks around: “Woe to the women…”—present violation. Step-by-Step Test for Prophetic Authenticity (from Deuteronomy 18) 1. Source: Is the message commanded by the LORD? 2. Fidelity: Does it exalt the one true God, never “other gods”? (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-3) 3. Fulfillment: Does it come to pass exactly? 4. Fruit: Does it produce obedience and life, not bondage (cf. Matthew 7:16-20)? Why Ezekiel’s Warning Still Matters • Satan often blends superstition with spiritual language. Modern “charms” may be books, podcasts, or social media that promise secret insight. • False prophecy preys on fear and desire for quick fixes, just as those veils “fit every size.” • God’s people must refuse any message that manipulates rather than ministers (cf. 2 Peter 2:1-3). Practical Takeaways for Today • Measure every prophetic claim against the unchanging Word; fulfilled accuracy is non-negotiable. • Discern motives: true prophecy serves God’s glory, not personal gain. • Guard the flock: lovingly expose deception so souls are not “ensnared.” • Cultivate confidence: when a message fails the Deuteronomy test, “do not be afraid of him.” The LORD remains the final authority. Additional Scriptural Witness • 1 John 4:1—“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Revelation 22:18-19—severe warning against adding to God’s words. • Matthew 24:24—false christs and prophets will attempt to deceive “even the elect.” Holding firmly to these timeless standards keeps the church anchored in truth and immune to the snares condemned in Ezekiel 13 and Deuteronomy 18. |
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