Against the false prophets and prophetesses The passage is an expansion of ch. Ezekiel 12:24, and has three main parts: first, Ezekiel 13:1 denunciation of the prophets as persons who help forward the downfall of the state, as foxes among the ruins only undermine that which is still standing. Secon... [ Continue Reading ]
The lying prophets are like foxes among the ruins (1) Ezekiel 13:1. The inspiration of these prophets is not from the spirit of God but from their own heart. (2) Ezekiel 13:4. Consequently so far as the state was concerned they were like foxes among the ruins; they burrowed among these and only he... [ Continue Reading ]
_prophets of Israel that prophesy_ There seems a kind of sarcasm on "prophets of Israel," those whom Israel accepts and delights to regard as prophets (Micah 2:11); and a similar sarcasm in "that prophesy." They prophesied and that without limit: their mouths were always full of "thus saith the Lord... [ Continue Reading ]
_foolish prophets_ The word, not used again by Ezekiel, is rather a moral term, meaning destitute of that wisdom the beginning of which is the fear of the Lord (Psalms 13:1). Jeremiah charges the prophets of his day with shameful vices, "They commit adultery with their neighbours" wives" (Jeremiah 2... [ Continue Reading ]
_foxes in the deserts_ in THE WASTE PLACES, i.e. ruins. The prophets are like foxes; ruins are congenial to them; a condition of decay is their proper sphere; there they can burrow as their instincts prompt them. The main idea, however, is that their operations only increase the devastation and unde... [ Continue Reading ]
_gone up into the gaps_ Or, _breaches_. Ezekiel turning to the prophets themselves uses "ye" a frequent change of person in animated speech. _made up the hedge_ Or, _fence_, R.V. If they had been true prophets they would have done two things: stood in the breach, and made a wall of defence for Israe... [ Continue Reading ]
Their prophecies are false: they are self-deceived 6. _have made_others _to hope_ Rather: THEY HAVE HOPED FOR THE CONFIRMATION of the word. The usual sense of the verb is to "hope;" only in a single passage (Psalms 119:49) does it appear to mean to "cause to hope." The false prophets looked for the... [ Continue Reading ]
The punishment is described in three steps, which form a climax. At present these prophets possess influence, they are counsellors and leaders; when Israel is a nation again upon her own land they shall have no place in the council of the people read COUNCIL for assembly as marg. Now they occupy a h... [ Continue Reading ]
The prophets whitewash the tottering wall which the people build 10. _Because, even because_ A solemn and emphatic introduction of the offence of the prophets; ch. Ezekiel 36:3; Leviticus 26:43. _seduced_ Or, LED ASTRAY. _peace; and_there was _no peace_ "Peace" includes security and prosperity; c... [ Continue Reading ]
_and ye, O great hailstones_ The apostrophe to the hailstones is rather unnatural. A different pointing gives the sense, _and I will cause great hailstones to fall_, but the construction is altogether improbable. Jeremiah 8:13, is not in point. _wind shall rent it_ Or, a strong wind SHALL BREAK FOR... [ Continue Reading ]
Confusion of the false prophets.... [ Continue Reading ]
_rent_it with _a stormy wind_ Rather: CAUSE A stormy wind TO BREAK FORTH.... [ Continue Reading ]
_shall be discovered_ i.e. uncovered, laid bare. The prophets shall be destroyed in the ruins of the wall (Amos 9:1). The figure tends in these words to be replaced by the reality, namely, Jerusalem and its downfall.... [ Continue Reading ]
to wit, _the prophets_ This construction puts "the prophets" in apposition with the last words of Ezekiel 13:15 "they that daubed it." The words may be taken as an address: Ye prophets of Israel &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
Denunciation of the false prophetesses Female prophets were not unknown in Israel whether in earlier or later times, as Deborah (Judges 4:3) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14). The prophetesses referred to here were like the prophets, prophesying out of their own heart (Ezekiel 13:17). Their prophesying wa... [ Continue Reading ]
_pillows to all armholes_ Probably: FILLETS or bands TO ALL JOINTS OF THE HAND. Heb. appears to read "my hands," which is no doubt an error of transcription; none of the ancient versions reproduces the reading. The term rendered "kerchiefs" probably means veils or coverings to the head, which fell d... [ Continue Reading ]
_and will ye pollute_ Rather, directly: and YE PROFANE ME. To "profane" the Lord is to bring him down from the high sphere of purity or truth or power, where men's thoughts should place him, into the region of the impure, the false or unworthy the sphere of the common (ch. Ezekiel 20:39). To "profan... [ Continue Reading ]
_heart of the righteous sad_ Or, discourage the heart of the righteous opposed to "strengthen the hands" of the wicked. The word rendered "made sad" or pained in the end of the clause might have been expected. _by promising him life_ Rather: AND BE SAVED ALIVE; lit. so as to save him alive. The age... [ Continue Reading ]
The judgment of God is at hand which shall make an end of all false prophecy and divination. Ch. Ezekiel 12:24; Micah 3:6-7; Amos 8:11. The issue of these judgments shall be that Jehovah shall be known in truth.... [ Continue Reading ]