Ezekiel 13

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Ezekiel 13:1-7, where the Lord condemns the prophets who prophesy out of their own imagination, rather than from the mouth of the Lord. In Ezekiel 13:8-9, God announces that these false prophets will be punished, and their false visions will come to an end. The chapter then turns to the prophetesses, who are also condemned for their false prophecies and sorceries, as seen in Ezekiel 13:17-23. The Lord promises to judge these false prophetesses, and to deliver His people from their wicked influence. Throughout the chapter, the Lord emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth, and the severe consequences of speaking falsehoods in His name.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel chapter 13 is part of a larger section of the book that deals with the Lord's judgment on Israel and the surrounding nations. The chapter is closely tied to the themes of Ezekiel 12, which condemns the false prophets and the rebellious house of Israel. The chapter also looks forward to the themes of Ezekiel 14, which deals with the Lord's judgment on the idolatrous leaders of Israel. In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter is part of the story of God's covenant with Israel, and His faithfulness to His people despite their rebellion and sin.

Heart Application

This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts and motives, and to ensure that we are speaking the truth and living in accordance with God's word. It also reminds us of the importance of discernment, and the need to test all prophetic claims against the standard of Scripture. As we seek to follow Jesus Christ and to live out our faith in a world filled with false teaching and deception, this chapter serves as a timely warning and a call to faithfulness.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel chapter 13 is about God's judgment on false prophets who speak lies and lead people astray. The Lord condemns these prophets and promises to punish them. He also warns His people to be careful and not to follow false prophets. In Ezekiel 13:2, the Lord says to speak against the prophets who prophesy out of their own imagination. This chapter teaches us to be careful and to only follow those who speak the truth.

Voices from the Church

“The false prophets of our day are not those who claim to have visions and dreams, but those who preach a gospel that is not the gospel of Christ. They are the ones who lead the people astray with their lies and false promises.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Lord is the true Prophet, and His word is the standard by which all other prophetic claims must be judged. We must be careful to distinguish between the true and the false, and to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Condemning False Prophets (Ezekiel 13:1-7) — The Lord condemns the prophets who prophesy out of their own imagination, rather than from the mouth of the Lord. These false prophets are leading the people astray with their lies and false visions.
2. Punishing False Prophets (Ezekiel 13:8-9) — The Lord announces that the false prophets will be punished, and their false visions will come to an end.
3. Condemning False Prophetesses (Ezekiel 13:17-23) — The Lord also condemns the prophetesses who are leading the people astray with their sorceries and magic.
4. Delivering God's People (Ezekiel 13:20-23) — The Lord promises to deliver His people from the wicked influence of the false prophets and prophetesses, and to bring them back to Himself.
5. Conclusion (Ezekiel 13:24) — The chapter concludes with a reminder that the Lord will judge all who speak falsely in His name, and that His people must be careful to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Truth

This chapter teaches us that speaking the truth is essential, and that speaking falsehoods in God's name is a serious offense. The Lord emphasizes the importance of truth and the consequences of lying.

The Dangers of False Prophets

The chapter warns us about the dangers of false prophets, who lead people astray with their lies and false visions. We must be careful to distinguish between the true and the false, and to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture.

The Lord's Faithfulness

Despite the rebellion and sin of His people, the Lord remains faithful to His covenant promises. He will deliver His people from the wicked influence of the false prophets and prophetesses, and will bring them back to Himself.

The Need for Discernment

The chapter highlights the importance of discernment, and the need for God's people to test all prophetic claims against the standard of Scripture. This is a crucial lesson for the church today, as we navigate the complexities of prophetic ministry and the dangers of false teaching.

Lessons from Ezekiel 13

1. The Importance of Speaking the Truth — This chapter teaches us that speaking the truth is essential, and that speaking falsehoods in God's name is a serious offense. We must be careful to speak the truth in our own lives, and to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture.
2. The Dangers of Following False Prophets — The chapter warns us about the dangers of following false prophets, who lead people astray with their lies and false visions. We must be careful to distinguish between the true and the false, and to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture.
3. The Lord's Faithfulness to His People — Despite the rebellion and sin of His people, the Lord remains faithful to His covenant promises. He will deliver His people from the wicked influence of the false prophets and prophetesses, and will bring them back to Himself.
4. The Need for Discernment — The chapter highlights the importance of discernment, and the need for God's people to test all prophetic claims against the standard of Scripture. This is a crucial lesson for the church today, as we navigate the complexities of prophetic ministry and the dangers of false teaching.
5. The Importance of Following God's Word — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's word, and of being careful to distinguish between the true and the false. We must be careful to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture, and to test all prophetic claims against the standard of God's word.

Themes from Ezekiel 13

1. The Importance of Truth — This chapter teaches us that speaking the truth is essential, and that speaking falsehoods in God's name is a serious offense. The Lord emphasizes the importance of truth and the consequences of lying.
2. The Dangers of False Prophets — The chapter warns us about the dangers of false prophets, who lead people astray with their lies and false visions. We must be careful to distinguish between the true and the false, and to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture.
3. The Lord's Faithfulness — Despite the rebellion and sin of His people, the Lord remains faithful to His covenant promises. He will deliver His people from the wicked influence of the false prophets and prophetesses, and will bring them back to Himself.
4. The Need for Discernment — The chapter highlights the importance of discernment, and the need for God's people to test all prophetic claims against the standard of Scripture. This is a crucial lesson for the church today, as we navigate the complexities of prophetic ministry and the dangers of false teaching.
5. The Importance of Following God's Word — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's word, and of being careful to distinguish between the true and the false. We must be careful to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture, and to test all prophetic claims against the standard of God's word.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that false prophets can lead people astray, and how can we protect ourselves from their influence?
2. How can we distinguish between true and false prophets, and what are some characteristics of a true prophet?
3. What are some consequences of speaking falsehoods in God's name, and how can we ensure that we are speaking the truth in our own lives?
4. How does the Lord's faithfulness to His covenant promises comfort and encourage you, and what are some ways that you can apply this truth to your own life?
5. What are some ways that you can cultivate discernment in your own life, and how can you help others to develop this important skill?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezekiel 13

	Sermon	Description
	The Wall Is Down by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is bringing a strong message to the United States through prophets and watchmen. He declares that God is no longer allowing people
	Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage by Don Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac
	When the Glory of God Passes By by Carter Conlon	The video is a sermon about the importance of living a life that glorifies God and seeks His guidance. The speaker emphasizes the need for compassion and tenderness towards others,
	(February 1987) 02 - Who Is Going to Control by Ray Lowe	In this sermon, the preacher describes encountering a man on Skid Road who was homeless and suffering from exposure to the elements. The preacher reaches out to help the man, who i
	(October 1986) 01 - Spiritual Warfare by Ray Lowe	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the battle that Christians face in the world today. He highlights the alarming issues of young people being involved in drugs, alcohol, and p
	Woe to the Foolish Prophets by Brian Gochenour	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Bible as the final authority for the church. They criticize those who try to undermine the word of God and promote a fa
	Peter's Sermon by Welcome Detweiler	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of delivering a united message when preaching the word of God. He uses the example of Peter's sermon after the day of Pentecos
	The Primary and Secondary Causes of a National Crisis by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle discusses the primary and secondary causes of national crises, emphasizing that in the generation of the Lord's return, every nation will face significant crises alongs
	Homily 18 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, emphasizing that those who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. He warn
	Ezekiel 13:10 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith addresses the dangers of false prophets, emphasizing their ability to lead people into a false sense of security and trust in false hopes. He warns that these prophets

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 13

In his commentary on Ezekiel 13, Matthew Henry writes that the Lord is condemning the false prophets who are leading the people astray with their lies and false visions. Henry notes that the Lord is emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth, and the severe consequences of speaking falsehoods in His name. He also highlights the danger of following false prophets, who can lead people astray with their lies and false visions. Henry emphasizes the importance of loving and following God's word, and of rejecting all false and deceitful ways. He encourages readers to be careful to distinguish between the true and the false, and to follow only those who speak the truth in accordance with Scripture. As Henry writes, 'The Lord is against those who prophesy out of their own imagination, and who speak lies in His name. He will punish them, and deliver His people from their wicked influence.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?