What are the consequences of speaking "false visions" according to Ezekiel 13:7? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel 13 exposes self-appointed prophets who claimed, “This is what the LORD says,” yet spoke only what they had imagined. • Verse 7 calls their claims “false vision” and “lying divination,” highlighting that God never authorized their words. The Core Question Ezekiel 13:7: “Have you not seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you say, ‘The LORD declares,’ although I have not spoken?” Immediate Consequences Announced by God Walk through verses 8-16 and notice how each consequence intensifies: • God’s opposition — “Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have spoken falsehood and envisioned a lie, I am against you…’” (v. 8). • Divine action — “My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions” (v. 9). • Removal from God’s people — “They will not belong to the council of My people” (v. 9). • Erasure from the record — “nor be recorded in the register of the house of Israel” (v. 9). • Loss of inheritance — “nor will they enter the land of Israel” (v. 9). • Public exposure — Their flimsy “wall” of deception will collapse, and the prophets will be “consumed” by it (vv. 10-15). • Ultimate vindication of God’s truth — “Then you will know that I am the LORD GOD” (v. 9, v. 14). Why False Visions Are So Dangerous • They misrepresent God’s character and will. • They deceive hearers into false security (v. 10, “peace” where none exists). • They invite judgment on both speaker and listener (v. 15). • They undermine genuine prophetic ministry, stirring cynicism among God’s people. Echoes Across Scripture • Deuteronomy 18:20: “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name that I have not commanded him… that prophet shall die.” • Jeremiah 14:14-15 warns of sword and famine against prophets who “prophesy lies in My name.” • Matthew 7:15-23 — Jesus calls false prophets “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and says, “I never knew you; depart from Me.” • Acts 5:1-11 — Though not prophecy, Ananias and Sapphira’s lie to the Spirit shows how seriously God treats misrepresentation. Living the Lesson Practical takeaways for anyone who teaches, counsels, or simply shares God’s Word: • Speak only what Scripture clearly says; avoid speculation packaged as revelation. • Test every impressive “word” against the Bible (1 John 4:1). • Value accountability—elders, teachers, and fellow believers help guard against error. • Cultivate humility; God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). • Remember that truth liberates, while lies—even well-intentioned—destroy. Summing It Up Ezekiel 13:7 shows that claiming divine authority for personal ideas is no small slip—it triggers God’s direct opposition, erases privileges among His people, and ends in judgment. Safeguard your heart and speech by staying anchored to the sure, written Word of God. |
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