Ezekiel 13:16
To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַֽנִבְּאִים֙
which prophesy
H5012
הַֽנִבְּאִים֙
which prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
3 of 14
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
concerning Jerusalem
H3389
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
concerning Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
5 of 14
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְהַחֹזִ֥ים
and which see
H2374
וְהַחֹזִ֥ים
and which see
Strong's:
H2374
Word #:
6 of 14
a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)
חֲז֣וֹן
visions
H2377
חֲז֣וֹן
visions
Strong's:
H2377
Word #:
8 of 14
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
שָׁלֹ֔ם
for her and there is no peace
H7965
שָׁלֹ֔ם
for her and there is no peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
9 of 14
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
שָׁלֹ֔ם
for her and there is no peace
H7965
שָׁלֹ֔ם
for her and there is no peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
11 of 14
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:14They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.Ezekiel 13:10Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:Jeremiah 8:11For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
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. Named the guilty parties 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 Prophets of Jerusalem 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 Prophets of Jerusalem. 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. Named the guilty parties. True relationship with God requires faith in His promises and submission to His commands, not manipulative rituals or techniques.