Albert Barnes Commentary Ezekiel 13
Albert Barnes Commentary
Ezekiel 13
Albert Barnes Commentary
Ezekiel 13
"And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying," — Ezekiel 13:1 (ASV)
The identity of phrases and ideas of this chapter with (Jeremiah 23:0) leads to the conclusion that Ezekiel took up a well-known prophecy to enforce and apply it to his companions in exile. They probably had read Jeremiah’s words as referring to others than themselves.
"Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" — Ezekiel 13:3 (ASV)
That follow ... nothing—the marginal reading is better. A true prophet (like Ezekiel) spoke “the word of the Lord,” and declared what he had seen “in the visions of God.” These pretenders are stigmatized in scorn “prophets out of their own hearts,” “seers of what they have not seen.”
"O Israel, thy prophets have been like foxes in the waste places." — Ezekiel 13:4 (ASV)
In the deserts - Foxes find a home among ruins etc. (Lamentations 5:18). So the prophets find their profit in the ruin of their country.
"Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither built up the wall for the house of Israel, to stand in the battle in the day of Jehovah." — Ezekiel 13:5 (ASV)
For - Or, before. In a time of siege, when there are gaps or breaches in the walls, it is the duty of the leaders to go up to defend them and to build defenses to stop the enemy's advance. Yahweh is now assailing His people as an enemy (Job 16:11–13), and where are those who claim to be prophets, leaders of the people?
"They have seen falsehood and lying divination, that say, Jehovah saith; but Jehovah hath not sent them: and they have made men to hope that the word would be confirmed." — Ezekiel 13:6 (ASV)
And they have made others ... - Rather, “and they hope for the confirmation of their word.” They come to believe their own lies.
Jump to: