Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the metaphor of walls daubed with untempered mortar is a vivid illustration used to describe the teachings of false prophets and the deceptive assurances they offer. This imagery is primarily drawn from the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet Ezekiel condemns the false prophets of Israel for misleading the people with false visions and lying divinations.Biblical Context The primary reference to walls daubed with untempered mortar is found in Ezekiel 13:10-15. In this passage, God, through the prophet Ezekiel, rebukes the false prophets who have misled the people of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows: “Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash, tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall. There will be a deluge of rain, and I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will release a windstorm in My wrath; and in My anger, torrents of rain and hail will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall you plastered with whitewash and level it to the ground, so that its foundation is exposed. It will fall, and you will be destroyed within it. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” Interpretation and Significance The metaphor of walls daubed with untempered mortar serves as a powerful critique of false security and superficial spirituality. In ancient construction, mortar was used to bind stones or bricks together, providing stability and strength to a wall. Untempered mortar, however, lacks the necessary ingredients to harden properly, rendering the wall weak and unstable. Similarly, the false prophets of Israel offered assurances of peace and safety without addressing the underlying issues of sin and disobedience, thus providing a false sense of security. This imagery underscores the danger of relying on teachings that lack the solid foundation of truth. Just as a wall built with untempered mortar is destined to collapse under pressure, so too are the lives and communities built on false teachings vulnerable to spiritual ruin. The passage warns against the allure of comforting lies and emphasizes the importance of discerning truth from falsehood. Theological Implications Theologically, this passage highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to uphold and communicate the truth of God's word. It serves as a cautionary tale against the temptation to prioritize popularity or comfort over fidelity to divine revelation. The imagery of the collapsing wall serves as a reminder that God's judgment will ultimately expose and dismantle falsehood, affirming the necessity of building one's life on the solid foundation of truth. Contemporary Application In contemporary Christian thought, the metaphor of walls daubed with untempered mortar continues to resonate as a warning against the proliferation of false teachings and doctrines that deviate from biblical truth. Believers are encouraged to exercise discernment, grounding their faith in the authoritative teachings of Scripture and remaining vigilant against teachings that offer easy answers without addressing the deeper call to repentance and obedience. In conclusion, the biblical imagery of walls daubed with untempered mortar serves as a timeless reminder of the perils of false teachings and the imperative to build one's life on the enduring truth of God's word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 13:10-15Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, see, others daubed it with untempered mortar: Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources Where was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms |
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