How does Ezekiel 22:25 relate to warnings in Matthew 7:15 about false prophets? Connecting Ezekiel’s Roaring Lions with Jesus’ Ravenous Wolves - Ezekiel 22:25: “The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey: They devour people, seize treasures and precious things, and make many widows within her.” - Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Both passages paint a vivid portrait of leaders who cloak themselves in legitimacy while destroying the very people they are meant to shepherd. Shared Characteristics of Corrupt Leaders • Predatory Nature – Ezekiel: “roaring lion tearing its prey.” – Matthew: “ravenous wolves.” – 1 Peter 5:8 compares the devil to a “roaring lion,” underscoring that predation is demonic at its core. • Hidden Motives – Ezekiel’s princes operate through “conspiracy.” – False prophets wear “sheep’s clothing.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13–14 warns that “false apostles” disguise themselves as “servants of righteousness.” • Exploitation of God’s People – Ezekiel: “devour people, seize treasures.” – Matthew: Wolves feed on the flock. – 2 Peter 2:3: “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated words.” Theological Links • Both passages condemn leaders who abuse their God-given authority. • Ezekiel focuses on political/religious princes; Jesus targets religious teachers. Same sin, different offices. • Jesus’ warning fulfills and echoes the prophetic tradition that corruption among leaders brings judgment (Jeremiah 23:1-2; Zephaniah 3:3-4). Practical Discernment Today • Test teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). • Evaluate fruit, not appearance (Matthew 7:16-20). • Watch for greed, manipulation, or secrecy—hallmarks of the “lion” and the “wolf.” • Uphold shepherds who model Christlike sacrifice (John 10:11) rather than self-enrichment. Concluding Parallel Ezekiel’s roaring lions and Jesus’ ravenous wolves stand as timeless symbols of spiritual predators. Scripture calls believers to vigilant discernment, wholehearted allegiance to the true Shepherd, and uncompromising rejection of any leader who devours instead of feeds the flock. |
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