Pillow of False Teachers
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The term "Pillow of False Teachers" is not a direct biblical phrase but is derived from the imagery and teachings found in the Bible, particularly in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. It symbolizes the deceptive comfort and false security offered by those who distort God's truth for personal gain or to lead others astray.

Biblical Context

The concept is most closely associated with the prophet Ezekiel's denunciation of false prophets in Israel. In Ezekiel 13, God condemns those who prophesy out of their own imagination and not from divine revelation. These false prophets are described as sewing "magic bands" or "pillows" on the arms of their followers, symbolizing the false sense of security and comfort they provide. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'I am against your magic bands with which you ensnare souls like birds, and I will tear them from your arms. I will free the souls you have ensnared like birds.'" (Ezekiel 13:20)

Symbolism and Interpretation

The "pillow" in this context represents the soothing messages and assurances given by false teachers, which are contrary to God's truth. These messages are designed to make people feel comfortable in their sin or complacency, rather than urging them to repentance and obedience to God's commandments. The false prophets of Ezekiel's time promised peace and prosperity when there was none, leading the people away from the true warnings and guidance of God.

Characteristics of False Teachers

1. Deceptive Comfort: False teachers provide a false sense of peace and security, often telling people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. This is akin to placing a "pillow" under their heads, allowing them to rest easy in their disobedience.

2. Self-Serving Motives: These individuals often have personal agendas, seeking power, influence, or financial gain. They exploit their followers' trust and vulnerability for their own benefit.

3. Distortion of Truth: By twisting or selectively presenting Scripture, false teachers lead people away from the true teachings of the Bible. They may downplay the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, or the reality of judgment.

4. Resistance to Correction: False teachers are often resistant to correction and accountability. They may dismiss or attack those who challenge their teachings, further entrenching their followers in deception.

Warnings and Exhortations

The New Testament continues to warn believers about the dangers of false teachers. Jesus Himself cautioned against them, saying, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). The Apostle Paul also warned the early church, urging them to be vigilant and discerning:

"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

Response of the Faithful

Believers are called to be discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture. The Bereans are commended in Acts 17:11 for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what they were taught was true. Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding through prayer and study of the Bible, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error.

In summary, the "Pillow of False Teachers" serves as a metaphor for the deceptive comfort offered by those who lead others away from the truth of God's Word. It is a call to vigilance, discernment, and steadfast adherence to the teachings of Scripture.
Nave's Topical Index
Ezekiel 13:18,20
And say, Thus said the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs on the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people, and will you save the souls alive that come to you?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Obadiah
... again, like a guardian angel, to smooth our death-bed pillow, and make ... worshipped)
four hundred; and these cheats contrived (as such false teachers generally do ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon ix obadiah.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... 5. But we reject those false teachers whose Christ is false, or rather ... who in the
blessing was called Israel, when he had the stone for a pillow, and had ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... church in a more advanced stage, when false teachers were already ... he heard and to
make no false statements concerning ... arises he is asleep on a pillow (chap.4:38 ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... how to deliver the godly out of temptation." And concerning false teachers: [4698]
"These ... sloping footstool laid upon the ground served for a pillow, and they ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Four Sowings and one Ripening
... If all teachers, especially religious teachers, would remember that ... anybody will
find who stuffs a pillow with them ... man who is deceived by the false promises of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/four sowings and one ripening.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... is old, and they seem to think it is probably false! ... day both at home and abroad:
Let the teachers of a ... and like Him, will never smooth down a dying pillow. ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

His Own Funeral Sermon
... full of stories of crime with a false halo about ... your way wise, godly friends, parents,
and teachers, who shall ... you put your head on the pillow, the similitude ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/his own funeral sermon.htm

Instability
... They will be Ragged-school teachers, and off they go with ... Do you not think it will
stuff the pillow of your ... God's praises in the day of judgment with false lip ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/instability.htm

Native Christians (Continued).
... He tried to raise himself on his pillow, and said ... prejudiced, are sure to form a
very false estimate ... are for the most part employed as teachers, catechists, and ...
/.../chapter xxvii native christians continued.htm

The Bible
... own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ... it and demonstrated
that it is false both in ... for hid treasure, and make it the pillow on which ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

Resources
Is it wrong to kill spiders or step on bugs? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer cloth? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view the concept of death with dignity? | GotQuestions.org

Pillow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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