Ezekiel 13:18

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the [women] that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive [that come] unto you?

And say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Woe {H1945} to the women that sew {H8609} pillows {H3704} to all armholes {H679}{H3027}, and make {H6213} kerchiefs {H4555} upon the head {H7218} of every stature {H6967} to hunt {H6679} souls {H5315}! Will ye hunt {H6679} the souls {H5315} of my people {H5971}, and will ye save {H2421} the souls {H5315} alive {H2421} that come unto you?

tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Woe to the women who sew magic pads for all arm joints and put veils over people of all sizes, in order to hunt human lives! Will you hunt down the lives of my people while you keep your own lives safe?

and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?

and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves?

Ezekiel 13:18 delivers a stern warning from the Lord GOD against a specific group of false prophetesses in ancient Israel. This verse, part of a larger denouncement of those who mislead God's people, highlights their deceptive practices and the grave spiritual danger they posed.

Context of Ezekiel 13:18

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during a tumultuous period for Judah, leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. Much of his prophecy addresses the spiritual decay within Israel, emphasizing God's judgment and future restoration. Chapter 13 specifically targets both male and female false prophets who claimed to speak for God but instead delivered messages of peace and prosperity that were contrary to God's true word. These individuals offered false hope, leading the people astray from repentance and genuine faith. This particular verse focuses on the deceptive practices of the women who engaged in spiritual manipulation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Deception and Manipulation: The core accusation is that these women "hunt souls." This vivid imagery describes their predatory spiritual practices, where they ensnare people through their lies and false assurances. They were not guiding people to God but exploiting them for personal gain or influence.
  • False Security and Comfort: The "pillows to all armholes" and "kerchiefs upon the head of every stature" are symbolic of the false comfort and security these prophetesses offered. The "pillows" (Hebrew: kesathoth) likely refer to magical armbands or amulets, perhaps worn by their followers to feel safe or by the prophetesses themselves to enhance their 'powers.' The "kerchiefs" (Hebrew: misphachoth) could be elaborate veils or head-dresses used in their divination, perhaps to symbolize authority or to cast a hypnotic influence. These items represent a system designed to lull people into a false sense of peace, preventing them from facing the truth of God's impending judgment.
  • Divine Judgment Against False Teachers: God's declaration of "Woe" signifies a severe condemnation. He is angered by those who corrupt His message and endanger His people. This judgment is a testament to God's zealous protection of His flock and His intolerance for spiritual fraud.
  • The Value of Human Souls: The rhetorical question, "Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive [that come] unto you?" underscores the immense value God places on each individual soul. The prophetesses claimed to offer salvation or life, but in reality, they were leading people to spiritual death, contrasting sharply with God's desire for true life and repentance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used for the objects are particularly illustrative:

  • Kesathoth (כְּסָתוֹת): Translated as "pillows," this term can also mean "bands" or "cushions." The exact nature is debated, but they clearly served a purpose in providing a false sense of ease or protection, perhaps as charms.
  • Misphachoth (מִסְפָּחוֹת): Rendered as "kerchiefs," this word suggests veils or coverings, possibly ornate and used in their ritualistic practices to enhance their deceptive aura or to symbolize their fabricated spiritual authority.
The phrase "hunt souls" (צוּד נְפָשׁוֹת - tsud nepheshoth) vividly portrays the predatory nature of their activities, likened to trapping animals, emphasizing the deliberate and harmful intent behind their spiritual manipulation.

Related Scriptures

The warnings against false prophets are a recurring theme throughout scripture. For a broader understanding of God's view on spiritual deception, consider reading:

  • Jeremiah 14:14, where false prophets are accused of speaking visions from their own hearts, not from the Lord.
  • Matthew 7:15, where Jesus warns His disciples to "beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
  • 2 Peter 2:1-3, which describes how false teachers will secretly bring in destructive heresies and exploit people with deceptive words.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 13:18 serves as a timeless warning for believers today. It calls for spiritual discernment to identify and resist those who offer false comfort or deceptive spiritual paths. We are reminded to:

  • Discern Truth from Error: Do not be swayed by appealing messages that lack biblical foundation. Always test teachings against the unchanging Word of God.
  • Beware of Spiritual Manipulation: Be cautious of those who seek to control or exploit others under the guise of spirituality, especially if their methods or messages lead away from genuine repentance and obedience to God.
  • Seek True Security: Our ultimate security and comfort come not from external charms or human assurances, but from a steadfast faith in the Lord GOD and His true promises, as revealed in His Word.

This verse encourages believers to cling to sound doctrine and to pray for wisdom to recognize and reject all forms of spiritual deception.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 2:14

    Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

  • Ezekiel 13:20

    Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make [them] fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, [even] the souls that ye hunt to make [them] fly.

  • Jeremiah 6:14

    They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

  • Ezekiel 22:25

    [There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

  • Jeremiah 4:10

    Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

  • Ezekiel 13:10

    ¶ Because, 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]:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back