Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, visions are often depicted as divine revelations given to prophets and chosen individuals. However, the Scriptures also warn against false prophets who claim to have seen visions that are not from God. These false visions are a significant concern in the biblical text, as they lead people away from the truth and into deception.Old Testament Warnings The Old Testament contains numerous warnings against false prophets who claim to have seen visions. In the book of Jeremiah, God explicitly condemns these deceitful individuals. Jeremiah 23:16 states, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" Here, the false prophets are accused of fabricating visions from their own imaginations rather than receiving genuine revelations from God. Ezekiel also addresses this issue, highlighting the danger of false visions. In Ezekiel 13:6-7 , it is written, "They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. Have you not seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?" This passage underscores the audacity of false prophets who not only invent visions but also falsely attribute them to God. Characteristics of False Visions False visions are characterized by their origin in the deceitful hearts of the prophets rather than from God. These visions often serve the personal agendas of the prophets, leading people astray for their own gain. In Jeremiah 14:14 , the LORD says, "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the delusions of their own minds." The false prophets' visions are described as "worthless" and "delusions," emphasizing their lack of divine authority and truth. These visions are not only misleading but also dangerous, as they can lead the people of God into idolatry and rebellion against His commandments. Consequences of Following False Visions The consequences of following false visions are severe, both for the prophets and those who heed their messages. In the book of Lamentations, the impact of false visions is lamented. Lamentations 2:14 states, "The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The oracles they saw for you were empty and misleading." The failure of the false prophets to reveal the truth and call the people to repentance results in disaster and captivity. Furthermore, God promises judgment upon those who propagate false visions. In Ezekiel 13:9 , the LORD declares, "My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD." This judgment serves as a stern warning against the deceit and presumption of false prophets. New Testament Context The New Testament continues to caution against false prophets and their deceptive visions. Jesus Himself warns in Matthew 24:24 , "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." This warning highlights the potential for false visions to lead even the faithful astray. The apostle Paul also addresses the issue in his letters, urging believers to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This exhortation implies the necessity of discernment in evaluating claims of visions and prophecies. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently warns against the danger of false prophets and their deceitful visions. These false visions, originating from the imaginations of the prophets rather than from God, lead people away from the truth and into spiritual peril. The Scriptures call for discernment and adherence to genuine divine revelation, emphasizing the importance of truth and faithfulness to God's word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 14:14Then the LORD said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke to them: they prophesy to you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nothing, and the deceit of their heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 23:16 Library The Mystery The Greater Prophets. The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ... Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. A Letter from Origen to Africanus. The Revelation of St. John the Divine Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... Jesus in the Garden of Olives. The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia. The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament... Resources How should Christians view the idea of Muslims having dreams/visions about Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org Why is the lack of visions and divinations considered a punishment (Micah 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Visions: False Prophets Pretended to Have Seen Visions: Frequently Difficult and Perplexing to Those Who Received Visions: God Especially Made Himself Known to Prophets By Visions: God often Made Known his Will By Visions: Often Accompanied: A Representative of the Divine Person and Glory Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Angels Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Human Beings Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: Often Communicated in a Trance Visions: Often Communicated in the Night Season Visions: Often Multiplied for the Benefit of the People Visions: Often Recorded for the Benefit of the People Visions: Sometimes Withheld for a Long Season Visions: The Prophets of God Skilled in Interpreting Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity Visions: To Daniel (See Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Daniel) Visions: To Ezekiel (See Chapters 10, 40-48 of Ezekiel) Visions: To John (See Also Rev Chapters 4 - 22) Related Terms |
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