to slay , &c. to prophesy (falsely) that they should be slain. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject). App-6 . to save, &c. = to promise life to those who should not live. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 . your. Masculine suffix, indicating unwomanly character. read more
Ezekiel 13:19. And for pieces of bread— See Jeremiah 37:21. REFLECTIONS.—1st, The false prophets abounded, both in Judaea and among the captives in Babylon; and by their flattering speeches the hearts of the unwary people were beguiled: against them therefore the prophet is ordered to direct his word. They are called the prophets of Israel: probably they arrogated that title to themselves, and persecuted the few faithful prophets because they remonstrated against and contradicted their... read more
19. handfuls—expressing the paltry gain for which they bartered immortal souls (compare Micah 3:5; Micah 3:11; Hebrews 12:16). They "polluted" God by making His name the cloak under which they uttered falsehoods. among my people—an aggravation of their sin, that they committed it "among the people" whom God had chosen as peculiarly His own, and among whom He had His temple. It would have been a sin to have done so even among the Gentiles, who knew not God; much more so among the people of God... read more
Their practices 13:17-19 read more
Condemnation of the female false prophets 13:17-23There were female as well as male prophets in Israel (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 6:14; Luke 2:36) and in the early church (Acts 21:9; 1 Corinthians 11:5). However there were far fewer female than male prophets, and there was no formal order or class of female prophets. God raised up female prophets according to His sovereign purposes occasionally, but He usually used males for this ministry. Females who were not true... read more
Ezekiel was to announce judgment on those who indulged in these occult practices and perverted justice for only a little food or as a means of divination."In some cultures barley was used in occult practices either as an offering to the spirits or as a means of trying to determine the future." [Note: Dyer, "Ezekiel," p. 1252.] These women had been willing to put some to death who did not deserve to die and to save others from death who did deserve to die. This was the result of their lying to... read more
On Prophecy, True and FalseAfter rebuking certain prevalent forms of contempt for prophecy (Eze 12:21-28), Ezekiel reproves the false prophets (Eze 13:1-16) and false prophetesses (Eze 13:17-23) of Israel. A visit from the elders next supplies the occasion for an announcement of the principles on which God deals both with false enquirers and with the prophets who answer them (Eze 14:1-11).(a) Contempt of Prophecy Rebuked (Eze 12:21-28)This contempt took two forms. On the one hand it had become... read more
(17-23) Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face . . .—This passage deals with a class of people the false prophetesses, who are not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. True prophetesses, as in the case of Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), and, at this very time, Huldah (2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22), and somewhat later, Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), are frequently spoken of, and continued to exist in New Testament times, as in the case of Anna (Luke 2:36). It was naturally to... read more
(19) Handfuls of barley.—It was an ancient custom to bring presents to a prophet on consulting him (1 Samuel 9:7-8; 1 Kings 14:3); but as barley was a cheap grain, and handfuls a very small quantity, these words show the exceedingly small gains for which these false prophetesses were willing to pervert the truth, and lead the people to destruction. God was “polluted” by attaching His name and authority to that which was not true, and would not come to pass, thus “making Him a liar” like... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 13:1-23
Condemnation of false prophets (13:1-23)False prophets were a constant danger, both those in Jerusalem and those among the exiles in Babylon. They were bad guides, spiritually and morally, because they proclaimed only what they themselves wanted. They had no knowledge of the mind of God (13:1-3). Judah was falling into ruins, but the false prophets, instead of helping to repair and strengthen the nation, cunningly exploited the situation for their own benefit. They were like foxes digging holes... read more