King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Isra'el, your prophets have been like jackals among ruins.
Berean Standard Bible:
Your prophets, O Israel, are like foxes among the ruins.
American Standard Version:
O Israel, thy prophets have been like foxes in the waste places.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
O Israel{H3478}, thy prophets{H5030} are like the foxes{H7776} in the deserts{H2723}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Revelation 19:20
- And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
2 Thessalonians 2:9
- [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
2 Thessalonians 2:10
- And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Micah 2:11
- If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, [saying], I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.
Galatians 2:4
- And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Micah 3:5
- Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
Matthew 7:15
- ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
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Commentary for Ezekiel 13:4
Ezekiel 13:4 is a verse from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, which contains the prophecies of Ezekiel, a prophet who was active during the Babylonian Exile (approximately 593–571 BCE). The verse is part of a larger passage in which Ezekiel condemns false prophets in Israel. In the historical context, Israel had experienced significant turmoil, including the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of many Jews to Babylon. This period of crisis led to a proliferation of prophets, some of whom were considered false due to their messages that were not in line with God's will as understood by Ezekiel.
In Ezekiel 13:4, the prophet compares the false prophets to foxes in the deserts. Foxes are cunning and sly creatures, known for their ability to survive in harsh environments. By using this metaphor, Ezekiel criticizes the false prophets for their cunning and deceptive nature. They are portrayed as individuals who are adept at navigating the current despair and political turmoil (the "deserts") but do not provide true guidance or a message from God. Instead, they offer superficial comfort and false visions of peace and security to the people, which Ezekiel sees as damaging and misleading.
The themes of the verse include the dangers of false prophecy, the importance of discerning true divine messages, and the accountability of religious leaders. Ezekiel emphasizes that true prophets should speak the truth, even when it is difficult, and should not cater to the desires of the people for easy answers or false hopes. This verse underscores the need for integrity and faithfulness to God's word in times of national crisis and emphasizes the role of the prophet as a truth-teller and a moral compass for the community.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3478
There are 2229 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יִשְׂרָאֵל
Transliteration: Yisrâʼêl
Pronunciation: yis-raw-ale'
Description: from שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel. - Strong's Number: H5030
There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָבִיא
Transliteration: nâbîyʼ
Pronunciation: naw-bee'
Description: from נָבָא; a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. - Strong's Number: H7776
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שׁוּעָל
Transliteration: shûwʻâl
Pronunciation: shoo-awl'
Description: or שֻׁעָל; from the same as שֹׁעַל; a jackal (as a burrower); fox. - Strong's Number: H2723
There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חׇרְבָּה
Transliteration: chorbâh
Pronunciation: khor-baw'
Description: feminine of חֹרֶב; properly, drought, i.e. (by implication) a desolation; decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place).