What is the meaning of Ezekiel 13:3? This is what the Lord GOD says • The opening reminds us that true prophecy originates with the Sovereign LORD, not with human imagination (2 Peter 1:21: “no prophecy was ever brought about by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”). • Because His word is flawless (Psalm 12:6) and forever stands firm (Isaiah 40:8), it carries absolute authority. • Throughout Scripture God prefaces warnings with this same formula—“Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:9; Isaiah 1:2)—underscoring that obedience is not optional. • Deuteronomy 18:18-19 sets the standard: the prophet must deliver exactly what God commands; failure invites judgment (v. 20). Woe to the foolish prophets • “Woe” signals impending judgment (Isaiah 5:20). It is God’s sober declaration that these prophets stand condemned. • They are labeled “foolish,” a moral verdict echoing Psalm 14:1 (“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”). Their claims reject God’s revealed truth and mislead His people (Zephaniah 3:4). • Jeremiah 23:32: “Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams… and lead My people astray.” False shepherds draw divine opposition, not mere disapproval. • Luke 6:26 warns, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets,” showing that popularity is never proof of authenticity. who follow their own spirit • Instead of being led by the Spirit of God, these prophets chase personal impulses—dreams, ambitions, emotions. Ezekiel 13:2 already exposed them as those “who prophesy from their own hearts.” • Jeremiah 14:14: “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name… a delusion of their own minds.” Self-generated visions cannot carry divine weight. • Numbers 16:28 illustrates the opposite: Moses insists the LORD will prove who is sent by Him, not acting “of my own accord.” • 1 John 4:1 urges believers to “test the spirits.” God’s people must evaluate every message against the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11). yet have seen nothing • Though they flaunt spiritual sight, God declares they have received zero revelation. Their claimed visions are empty (Lamentations 2:14). • True prophets like Ezekiel experienced unmistakable encounters—“I looked, and I saw… the heavens were opened” (Ezekiel 1:1). By contrast, these impostors invent stories. • Jeremiah 23:16: “They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.” No actual encounter, no authority. • Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns that even if a sign appears to “come true,” if the message leads away from the LORD, the dreamer must be rejected. The benchmark is fidelity to God’s revealed word, not impressive experiences. summary Ezekiel 13:3 exposes counterfeit spokesmen: they claim divine endorsement but operate on self-inspired fantasies. God’s unchanging standard is clear—true prophecy flows from His mouth, aligns with His revealed truth, and leads His people toward obedience. Anything else earns His solemn “Woe.” |
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