Read & explore together
Reproof of False Prophetesses
In Ezekiel 13:17–23, the Lord tells Ezekiel to speak against women who claim to prophesy from their own hearts. This passage is a strong warning that lies spoken in God’s name harm people and dishonour him.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
This passage is a prophetic message given through Ezekiel. The Lord addresses certain women among the people who use magic bands, veils, lies, false visions and divination. The passage focuses on God’s opposition to their actions, their effect on the righteous and the wicked, and God’s promise to rescue his people from their power.
Ezekiel 13:17–23Main takeaway
God opposes false spiritual claims that trap people, grieve the righteous and encourage the wicked.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A message against self-made prophecyThe passage begins with a direct command to Ezekiel: he is to set his face against women who prophesy out of their own heart.
Explanation
The passage begins with a direct command to Ezekiel: he is to set his face against women who prophesy out of their own heart. That wording shows the source of their message is themselves, not the Lord. Ezekiel must speak against them because their claims carry spiritual danger.
02Bands, veils and hunting soulsThe Lord pronounces woe on women who sew magic bands and make veils for people of every stature in order to hunt souls.
Explanation
The Lord pronounces woe on women who sew magic bands and make veils for people of every stature in order to hunt souls. The exact objects are named, but the main point is clear in the passage itself: they use these practices to ensnare people. The Lord asks whether they will hunt his people’s souls while preserving themselves.
03Lies for gain profane GodThe accusation becomes sharper. They have profaned the Lord among his people for handfuls of barley and pieces of bread.
Explanation
The accusation becomes sharper. They have profaned the Lord among his people for handfuls of barley and pieces of bread. Their lies bring deadly results, described as killing those who should not die and keeping alive those who should not live. The passage shows selfish gain joined to spiritual deceit.
04God tears away what traps peopleThe Lord says he is against their magic bands and will tear them from their arms. He will also tear their veils and deliver his people from their hand.
Explanation
The Lord says he is against their magic bands and will tear them from their arms. He will also tear their veils and deliver his people from their hand. Their lies had grieved the righteous and strengthened the wicked instead of leading him to turn from his wicked way. The passage ends with God stopping their false visions and divination so his people will be delivered.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does the passage say was wrong with these women’s prophecy?
Look at where their message came from and what practices and words they used.
02How did their lies affect different kinds of people?
Notice what happened to the righteous and to the wicked in the Lord’s words.
03What actions does God promise to take against them?
List the things he says he will tear away, stop, and whom he will deliver.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ezekiel 13:17–23
17You, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy against them,
18and say, “The Lord Yahweh says: ‘Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all elbows and make veils for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people and save souls alive for yourselves?
19You have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to kill the souls who should not die and to save the souls alive who should not live, by your lying to my people who listen to lies.’
20“Therefore the Lord Yahweh says: ‘Behold, I am against your magic bands, with which you hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms. I will let the souls fly free, even the souls whom you ensnare like birds.
21I will also tear your veils and deliver my people out of your hand; and they will no longer be in your hand to be ensnared. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.
22Because with lies you have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive.
23Therefore you shall no more see false visions nor practice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand. Then you will know that I am Yahweh.’ ”