Ezekiel 13:6

Their prophecies are false: they are self-deceived

6. have madeothers 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 confirmation (in fulfilment) of their prophecies and visions they were self-deceived, not consciously false. Prophecy being an inward thing, a speaking by the spirit in the mind and to the mind, there was no external criterion, and while the true prophet had the witness in himself that he was true, the false prophet might not be aware that he was false (Jeremiah 23:21; Jeremiah 23:31). It is an interesting question what kind of mental experience the true prophet had, which verified to him his own genuineness.

Ezekiel 13:8. Chastisement from Jehovah upon these prophets.

Because these prophets speak falsely Jehovah is against them, for he is the living and the true (Ezekiel 13:8); but that which God is against must speedily feel the effects of his opposition his hand will be upon them (Ezekiel 13:9). There is no inert, inoperative opposition on God's part. The sweep of his operation is so vast that its movement may be unperceived, as the earth appears to stand still, though moving with inconceivable rapidity, but its effect will become apparent.