What is the meaning of Ezekiel 13:17? Now, O son of man Ezekiel is addressed by God with the familiar title, highlighting his humanity yet underscoring the divine authority behind his words (Ezekiel 2:1). • The phrase reminds us that ordinary people can become extraordinary messengers when God speaks through them (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Like Ezekiel, every believer is called to listen first, then speak God’s truth (James 1:19). set your face against This is an unmistakable call to deliberate, unwavering confrontation. God does not ask the prophet to negotiate but to stand firm, just as He earlier said, “Son of man, set your face toward the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them” (Ezekiel 6:2). • “Setting the face” pictures determined resolve (Luke 9:51). • Faithfulness sometimes means opposing popular voices for the sake of God’s honor (Galatians 1:10). the daughters of your people These women were members of the covenant community yet had drifted into deception. • Scripture honors genuine female prophecy (Exodus 15:20; Acts 21:9), but here the office is abused. • Isaiah 3:16-17 exposes similar misconduct among “daughters of Zion,” warning that privilege never excuses error. • Their closeness to God’s people made their lies more dangerous (2 Peter 2:1). who prophesy out of their own imagination The problem is the source: their own hearts, not God’s. Jeremiah 23:16 states it plainly, “They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.” • Counterfeit prophecy often: – Appeals to felt needs (2 Timothy 4:3). – Ignores repentance (Jeremiah 6:14). – Promises peace without obedience (Micah 3:5). • True prophecy aligns with prior revelation (Deuteronomy 13:1-3) and exalts God’s character (Revelation 19:10). Prophesy against them God commands Ezekiel to expose the fraud, not remain silent. • Confrontation protects the flock (Ezekiel 33:7-9; Titus 1:11). • It also offers the deceivers a final chance to repent (2 Peter 3:9). • The prophet must rely on God’s word, not personal anger, echoing Elijah’s stand against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:17-18). summary Ezekiel 13:17 calls God’s messenger to face down false voices within the community. The verse moves from the prophet’s commissioning, through his resolute posture, identifies the offenders, exposes their self-generated messages, and concludes with God’s charge to confront. The passage reminds us that real prophecy is anchored in divine revelation, demands courage, and seeks the spiritual safety of God’s people. |
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