What is the meaning of Ezekiel 22:28? Her prophets God holds spiritual leaders to a high standard. In Jerusalem, those called “prophets” were expected to speak for Him, yet they had abandoned that sacred charge (Jeremiah 23:11; Matthew 7:15). Instead of confronting sin, they blended into the corrupt culture. Much like the false teachers Peter later warns about (2 Peter 2:1), these prophets traded truth for approval, putting the people in grave danger. whitewash these deeds The phrase pictures a flimsy coat of paint over a crumbling wall (Ezekiel 13:10–12). • Instead of repairing the structure—repenting and reforming—the prophets merely covered it up. • The people’s violence, idolatry, and injustice were hidden beneath soothing words (Jeremiah 6:14). • Superficial “whitewash” gives an illusion of health but cannot stop judgment when the wall collapses. by false visions and lying divinations Their messages came from their own imagination, not from God (Jeremiah 14:14). • “Visions” suggests spiritual experiences; “divinations” hints at occult practices condemned in Deuteronomy 18:10–12. • Though packaged as revelation, these were fabrications—just as Bar-Jesus the sorcerer was called a “son of the devil” for perverting the Lord’s ways (Acts 13:10). • The enemy still traffics in counterfeit spirituality that mimics the real thing but leads people astray. saying, “This is what the Lord GOD says” Invoking God’s name gave their words instant authority. • The tactic mirrors those in Jeremiah 23:25–26 who claimed, “I have dreamed!” to cloak lies in piety. • Isaiah 29:13 warns of lips that honor God while hearts remain far from Him. • Paul later describes a “form of godliness” that denies its power (2 Timothy 3:5). Under a religious veneer, they sold deceit as divine decree. when the LORD has not spoken Here lies the core offense: presuming to speak for God without His authorization. • True prophecy must align with His revealed Word (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). • Every message should be tested, holding fast to what is good and rejecting every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). • Adding to God’s revelation brings severe warning (Revelation 22:18-19). The Lord’s silence exposes the hollowness of their claims and seals their guilt. summary Ezekiel 22:28 exposes leaders who smother sin under pious paint, peddle self-generated “visions,” and misuse God’s name to legitimize lies. Their whitewash cannot withstand divine scrutiny. God’s people must therefore prize authentic, Scripture-rooted proclamation, test every spirit, and refuse any voice that claims, “The LORD has said,” when He has not spoken. |
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