Ezekiel 13 - Introduction

XIII.

A prophecy very similar to this was uttered by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 23), only a few years before, against the false prophets in and around Jerusalem. It is not unlikely that Ezekiel may have read it; as Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:1) certainly sent some of his prophecies to those in the captivity, and it is altogether probable that he knew its substance. He, however, addresses himself here to the false prophets among the captives (see Ezekiel 13:9), and in the latter part of the chapter (Ezekiel 13:17) especially to the prophetesses. In both parts their conduct is first described (Ezekiel 13:3; Ezekiel 13:17), and then their doom (Ezekiel 13:8; Ezekiel 13:20). Such false prophets have always been a chief hindrance to the truth (just as false teaching within the Church now is far more dangerous than any attack from without), and they especially abounded in times of difficulty and danger. Jeremiah speaks repeatedly of their opposition to him in Judæa (Jeremiah 14:13; Jeremiah 23:9; Jeremiah 23:13; Jeremiah 23:16; Jeremiah 23:21; Jeremiah 23:25; Jeremiah 27, 28.), and expressly mentions also their activity among the exiles (Jeremiah 29:15).