Ezekiel 13:14
So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָ֨רַסְתִּ֜י
So will I break down
H2040
וְהָ֨רַסְתִּ֜י
So will I break down
Strong's:
H2040
Word #:
1 of 18
to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תָּפֵ֛ל
with untempered
H8602
תָּפֵ֛ל
with untempered
Strong's:
H8602
Word #:
6 of 18
plaster (as gummy) or slime; (figuratively) frivolity
וְהִגַּעְתִּ֥יהוּ
morter and bring
H5060
וְהִגַּעְתִּ֥יהוּ
morter and bring
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
הָאָ֖רֶץ
it down to the ground
H776
הָאָ֖רֶץ
it down to the ground
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
9 of 18
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וְנִגְלָ֣ה
thereof shall be discovered
H1540
וְנִגְלָ֣ה
thereof shall be discovered
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
10 of 18
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
יְסֹד֑וֹ
so that the foundation
H3247
יְסֹד֑וֹ
so that the foundation
Strong's:
H3247
Word #:
11 of 18
a foundation (literally or figuratively)
וְנָֽפְלָה֙
and it shall fall
H5307
וְנָֽפְלָה֙
and it shall fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
12 of 18
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
וּכְלִיתֶ֣ם
and ye shall be consumed
H3615
וּכְלִיתֶ֣ם
and ye shall be consumed
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
13 of 18
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
בְּתוֹכָ֔הּ
in the midst
H8432
בְּתוֹכָ֔הּ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
14 of 18
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
thereof and ye shall know
H3045
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
thereof and ye shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
15 of 18
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:15Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.Micah 1:6Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.Jeremiah 14:15Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.Ezekiel 13:9And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.Habakkuk 3:13Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.
Historical Context
Historical context shows various superstitious practices in pre-exilic Israel combining folk religion with claims of Yahwistic authority. Archaeological evidence includes amulets, magical texts, and fertility cult objects showing syncretism. These practices promised protection or blessing through human technique rather than covenant faithfulness, directly violating first and second commandments. Truth exposed in judgment within this cultural context of widespread religious syncretism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this condemnation challenge modern attempts to manipulate God through religious techniques?
- What does Foundation discovered teach about the difference between faith and superstition?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity compromise biblical faith with cultural superstitions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God addresses false prophecy related to Foundation discovered. This verse contributes to the comprehensive exposure of false teaching that enabled Israel's apostasy. The specific practices condemned show how false prophecy mixed superstition with claims of divine authority, leading people astray from covenant faithfulness.
The Hebrew terminology indicates concrete practices that promised protection or favor through human manipulation rather than covenant obedience. These represent attempts to control or manipulate divine blessing through ritual or magical means rather than submission to God's revealed will. Such practices directly violated monotheistic faith.
From a Reformed perspective, this warns against any attempt to manipulate God through religious practices divorced from heart obedience. Truth exposed in judgment. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.