Connect Ezekiel 13:20 with New Testament teachings on false prophets. Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 13:20 in Context “Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare souls like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and I will free the souls you seek to ensnare.’” (Ezekiel 13:20) • In Ezekiel’s day certain prophets used “magic charms” (literally, bands or pillows) to trap people spiritually. • God exposes their scheme, declares war on it, and promises liberation for those held captive. • The issue is spiritual deception—people pretending to speak for God while actually leading souls away from Him. Key Parallels in the New Testament • Matthew 7:15-16 — “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” • Matthew 24:11, 24 — “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many… even the elect, if that were possible.” • 2 Peter 2:1 — “There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies.” • 1 John 4:1 — “Test the spirits… because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Just as Ezekiel confronted deceptive prophets, Jesus and the apostles warn that the same danger will persist until His return. Shared Traits of False Prophets 1. Fake Authority • Claim to speak for God (Ezekiel 13:6; Matthew 24:5). • Promote visions of their own heart (Jeremiah 23:16; 2 Peter 2:3). 2. Spiritual Traps • Ezekiel’s “magic charms” = tools to “ensnare souls.” • Paul says they “ensnare” the unsteady (2 Timothy 3:6-7). 3. Profit Motive • “Handfuls of barley” (Ezekiel 13:19) parallels “greed” in 2 Peter 2:3. 4. False Peace • “Peace, when there is no peace” (Ezekiel 13:10). • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 — “Peace and safety, then sudden destruction.” 5. Demonic Backing • God opposes their occult methods (Ezekiel 13:20). • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 — Satan “masquerades as an angel of light.” Divine Response: Then and Now • Ezekiel — God “tears off” the charms and frees the captives. • New Testament — Christ exposes and judges deception (Matthew 7:23; Revelation 19:20). • Same holy passion: truth safeguarded, souls rescued, error destroyed. Safeguards for Believers • Know the Word: Acts 17:11, Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily.” • Discern the Fruit: Matthew 7:16, character and doctrine reveal the tree. • Test the Spirits: 1 John 4:1-3, confessing the true Christ is essential. • Hold Fast to the Gospel: Galatians 1:8-9, no other gospel tolerated. • Stay in Fellowship: Hebrews 10:25, corporate discernment protects. • Walk in the Spirit: John 16:13, the Spirit guides into all truth. Encouraging Truth: Holding Fast to Christ • Jesus warns but also reassures: “My sheep hear My voice… no one will snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28) • The Lord who tore off Israel’s snares still tears down lies today. • By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, relying on the Spirit, and staying alert, we live free from the traps of false prophecy and stand firm in the glorious truth of the gospel. |
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