Ezekiel denounces prophets who speak from their own hearts rather than Yahweh’s word. Instead of repairing Israel’s breaches, they cover an unstable wall with untempered mortar and promise peace where there is none. False prophetesses also manipulate the people, harm the righteous and strengthen the wicked.
Prophets speaking from their own hearts (Ezekiel 13:1–9)
Yahweh condemns prophets who follow their own spirit and claim to have seen what He has not shown them. Like foxes among ruins, they have not repaired the breaches in Israel’s hedge. They say, “The LORD saith,” though Yahweh has not sent them.
The untempered wall (Ezekiel 13:10–16)
The prophets say, “Peace,” when there is no peace. One builds a wall and others cover it with untempered mortar, making weakness appear sound. Yahweh sends storm, overflowing rain and hail; the wall falls, exposing the false reassurance and those who sustain it.
False prophetesses (Ezekiel 13:17–19)
Ezekiel turns to women who prophesy from their own hearts. Their pillows and kerchiefs are used in practices that hunt souls and profane Yahweh for handfuls of barley and pieces of bread. The chapter condemns their manipulative, superstitious practices without supplying details beyond the text.
Yahweh breaks the snares (Ezekiel 13:20–23)
Yahweh tears away the devices used to hunt souls and promises deliverance. Their lies have made the righteous sad and strengthened the wicked so he will not turn from his evil way. False visions will cease, and the people will know that Yahweh is the LORD.
The chapter’s message
False prophecy originates in human imagination, conceals breaches and offers peace without righteousness. True prophetic work does not strengthen the wicked in evil; Yahweh exposes lies, breaks the snares and delivers those harmed by them.