Day 11

Israel’s False Prophets Condemned

from the Ezekiel: Come to Life (Lent 2022) reading plan


Ezekiel 13:1-23, Ezekiel 14:1-23, Isaiah 55:8-11

BY Seana Scott

My family of five moved across the country and hired movers to ship our books, Christmas ornaments, everything. The truck was scheduled to arrive the day after we took ownership of our house. 

They never showed up. Never. Showed. Up. 

My children’s handmade footprint ornaments, my childhood teddy bear, our library of books—all gone. And the movers stopped answering their phones. We were left with five suitcases of summer clothes, a few LEGO pieces—and an empty house. We trusted deceptive words with devastating consequences. 

Thousands of years earlier the nation of Israel similarly listened to deceptions with much greater, devastating results. 

False prophets said, “this is the LORD’s declaration” when indeed it was not (Ezekiel 13:6). They lied for profit (vv.18–19) and declared made-up visions (vv.6–9). They proclaimed “peace” when there was no peace (vv.10,16). They allowed wickedness to flourish while they disheartened the righteous—to the point of death (vv.19–22). And the people believed them. 

It can seem amazing that the people trusted these deceptive leaders. Maybe because the prophets told the people of Judah what they wanted to hear. But the lies of the false prophets ensnared the people of Judah and their leaders set up idols in their hearts (Ezekiel 14:1–8). So the Lord declared that He would rescue His people from the false prophets’ trappings (Ezekiel 13:23) through judgment coming to Judah, though some would be spared (Ezekiel 14:21–23).

The people of Judah serve as a great warning for us to look closely at the words we listen to and the words we speak on behalf of God. This passage feels like a high school lab dissection of our hearts. What influencers do we follow? What teachers do we trust? What do we tell others about what God says? 

We can all be vulnerable to deceptive leadership that claims to proclaim the Word of God, but indeed simply proclaims what is profitable. We can also be enticed as Christians to tell people what they want to hear—rather than speak truth in love, even when it costs us. 

The Lord declared judgment on Judah (Ezekiel 14:12–23), but later He also declared restoration (Ezekiel 36:16–38). Even though Israel rebelled against the Lord, He would move in extravagant ways to restore her (Ezekiel 36:16–38). 

In a small way, my moving story reminds me of Jerusalem’s devastation and restoration. We eventually received most of our belongings. When I opened the first box, I pulled out Safety Bear—a tattered one-eared teddy gifted to me as a child to “keep me safe” from California earthquakes. I held it to my chest. The worn fuzzy bear’s arms rested on my shoulders and felt like a hug from God.

This Lenten season, may we take comfort and warning: God’s words accomplish God’s will (Isaiah 55:11)—unlike the deceiving prophets who waited for their made-up words to come true, and they never did (Ezekiel 13:6).

Post Comments (59)

59 thoughts on "Israel’s False Prophets Condemned"

  1. Heather Marsden says:

    What a beautiful word today- beware of false teachings and believing all who say they are “christians”. Study the word yourself. Make sure it lines up with scripture.

  2. Kristen says:

    Thank you so much to those praying for my coworker’s prayer request. God bless you all! Sissy, I can relate to your post because of what I’ve gone through. I will pray and I also prayed for all of you. Have a great night!

  3. Sissy says:

    Mercy,
    Thanks so much for the prayer and book recommendations. The book Fervent helped pull me out of the depression I was in this past summer. I will definitely check these out.

  4. Jennifer Anapol says:

    It’s so easy to believe what we want to hear. I pray I would follow the Lord’s discernment in my life, even when it may not be what I want to hear.

  5. Jennifer Anapol says:

    Hailey Lott, that was a very brave thing you did, letting go of a relationship based on your convictions. I had to do a similar thing before I was married. I believe the Lord blessed me for my decision, and I hope he will bless you as well!❤️

  6. LaShandra Fluno says:

    Help me to hear your voice Lord and tune out the voice of deception.

  7. Dorothy says:

    God truly looks after us and answers prayers, maybe not always in the way we want, but He does answer it.
    It snowed here in the Kansas City area last night, but Finley and parents made it to the hospital okay. Her surgery went great. She is in her room recovering now. Could have done without the snow but oh well.
    Thank you for your prayers.
    Be blessed and know that God is always watching over you.

  8. Mercy says:

    Praying to God for discernment on the true preachers/teachers /prophets that we need to tune our ears to. May you lead us Lord to those who are fearing You to say what You want them to say. May you give us wisdom and precautions to keep us away from the false ones. False doctrines can lead people astray… to eventually kill (Ezekiel 13:18-19 – to slay the souls that should not die KJV). Be careful, be very careful. One person used to tell me, how can you tell a counterfeit, by studying hundreds of counterfeits? No, by studying the real one.

    @Searching: thank you so much for pointing the link explaining Ezekiel 14:9, great insight.
    @Hailey: praying for you and your bf.
    @Kristen: praying for your co-worker to be free from the spreading cancer.
    @Sissy: praying for your marriage and God’s wisdom to lead you and your husband in the next steps. Marriage is the furnace that refines those in it. Especially covid era has added several pressuring factors. I recommend the books of Stormie Omartian ( The power of a praying wife, The power of a praying woman, The Power of prayer to change your marriage, and other series on praying). They really help to offer sound godly counsel. I pray for your peace during this time, and God’s mighty hand on you and your husband to calm, to comfort and to guide. May you trust that even when we fall short, and we cry to Him, He is faithful to help (Psalm 138:3, Psalm 121:5-8). God is able to redeem our mistakes (Psalm 130 God redeems all missteps) and mend the broken pieces. He is the expert potter. Please don’t let the devil condemn you. Mistakes are part of growth and maturity for God’s children. Fear not, only believe, says Jesus.
    Be blessed sisters!

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