You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to My people who would listen, you have killed those who should not have died and spared those who should not have lived. You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and scraps of bread.The women addressed by Ezekiel claimed prophetic authority while using God’s name to advance their own interests. Handfuls of barley and scraps of bread were meager payments, yet they treated divine truth as something to be sold. In a time of hardship and impending Babylonian judgment, even small provisions could become powerful temptations. Their willingness to exchange God’s message for personal gain dishonored Him before the covenant people. Micah likewise condemned prophets who proclaimed peace when fed but war when unpaid (Micah 3:5). Mic 3:11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach… By lying to My people who would listen, The people were not merely victims of deception; many were willing listeners because the false messages offered safety, peace, and escape from judgment. God had warned Judah through Jeremiah and Ezekiel that Jerusalem would fall because of persistent rebellion, but false prophets promised the opposite. Such lies hardened the people against repentance and made them less willing to heed God’s true servants. Isaiah described a similar desire for teachers who would speak smooth things rather than confront sin (Isaiah 30:10). Jer 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,”… you have killed those who should not have died False assurances could lead the righteous, the vulnerable, or those inclined to obey God into ruin. By declaring judgment or doom where God had not spoken, the false prophets crushed lives and led people away from the path of obedience and preservation. Their ministry brought death rather than life because it replaced God’s word with manipulation. Those who speak falsely in God’s name bear serious responsibility for the harm their teaching causes. Psa 94:21 They band together against the righteous… and spared those who should not have lived. The false prophets also promised peace to those persisting in wickedness, removing the urgency of repentance. God had sent warnings so that sinners might turn and live, but these deceivers strengthened the hands of the ungodly and assured them that no judgment would come. Such counsel perverted justice by condemning those who should have been encouraged and comforting those who should have been called to repentance. God alone determines life and death, and He will judge those who misuse His name to reverse His righteous purposes. Pro 17:15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. He is known for his vivid visions and symbolic actions. 2. False Prophets Individuals in Israel who claimed to speak for God but were actually spreading lies and deceit for personal gain. 3. The Israelites God's chosen people, who were in exile in Babylon due to their disobedience and idolatry. 4. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and purification. 5. God The sovereign Lord who is addressing the false prophets through Ezekiel, condemning their actions and lies. Teaching Points The Danger of False ProphetsFalse prophets can lead people away from God's truth, causing spiritual harm. It's crucial to discern and reject teachings that contradict Scripture. The Value of Truth Truth is precious and should not be compromised for material gain or personal advantage. Upholding truth honors God and protects His people. Accountability to God Those who claim to speak for God are held to a high standard. Misrepresenting God’s word is a serious offense with severe consequences. The Importance of Discernment Believers must be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture to avoid being misled. God's Justice and Mercy God is just and will hold false prophets accountable, but He is also merciful, offering forgiveness to those who repent and turn back to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify false prophets or teachers in today's context, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves from their influence?2. In what ways might we be tempted to compromise truth for personal gain, and how can we guard against this temptation? 3. How does understanding the historical context of Ezekiel's message to the Israelites enhance our comprehension of its relevance today? 4. What role does discernment play in our spiritual lives, and how can we cultivate it through our study of Scripture? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Ezekiel 13:19 to ensure that we are living lives that honor God and reflect His truth to others? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 23This chapter also addresses false prophets and their deceitful practices, emphasizing God's disapproval of those who lead His people astray. Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, and emphasizes the importance of discerning their true nature by their fruits. 2 Peter 2:1-3 Peter warns the early church about false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies, exploiting believers with fabricated accounts.
People EzekielPlaces JerusalemTopics Alive, Barley, Bits, Bread, Cause, Crumbs, Death, Die, Died, Ear, Fragments, Handfuls, Hearken, Hearkening, Keeping, Kill, Killed, Lies, Listen, Lying, Morsels, Persons, Pieces, Pierce, Pollute, Profane, Profaned, Putting, Save, Scraps, Sending, Shame, Slay, Souls, Spared, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 13:197760 preachers, responsibilities Library That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet Should Give Heed to what Ought to Please Them. Meanwhile it is also necessary for the ruler to keep wary watch, lest the lust of pleasing men assail him; lest, when he studiously penetrates the things that are within, and providently supplies the things that are without, he seek to be beloved of those that are under him more than truth; lest, while, supported by his good deeds, he seems not to belong to the world, self-love estrange him from his Maker. For he is the Redeemer's enemy who through the good works which he does covets being loved … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Of the Character of the Unregenerate. That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech. "Now the End of the Commandment," &C. Purity and Peace in the Present Lord Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 13:19 NIVEzekiel 13:19 NLT Ezekiel 13:19 ESV Ezekiel 13:19 NASB Ezekiel 13:19 KJV Ezekiel 13:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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