Ezekiel 13:21

KJV

Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Your kerchiefs {H4555} also will I tear {H7167}, and deliver {H5337} my people {H5971} out of your hand {H3027}, and they shall be no more in your hand {H3027} to be hunted {H4686}; and ye shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will also tear your veils and rescue my people from your clutches, so that they will no longer be in your power for you to hunt. Then you will know that I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people from your hands, so that they will no longer be prey in your hands. Then you will know that I am the LORD.

American Standard Version

Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:21 declares God's decisive judgment against the false prophetesses who exploited His people through deceptive spiritual practices. The Lord vows to tear away their instruments of manipulation, liberate His people from their predatory grasp, and ensure they are no longer ensnared. This divine intervention serves to reveal His supreme authority and identity, affirming His unwavering commitment to protect His flock and expose all forms of spiritual falsehood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13 is a powerful and sustained oracle of judgment against false prophets and prophetesses in Israel. The chapter immediately precedes this verse with a detailed condemnation of male false prophets (Ezekiel 13:1-16), who "follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing" (Ezekiel 13:3). They are likened to builders of a flimsy wall covered with whitewash, which God promises to demolish with a "flooding rain" and "great hailstones" (Ezekiel 13:11). Verses 17-23 then specifically target the female false prophets, describing their use of "magic bands" and "kerchiefs" to ensnare souls. Ezekiel 13:21 serves as the climactic declaration of God's direct action to dismantle their deceptive practices and rescue His people, leading into the final summary of judgment in Ezekiel 13:23.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a tumultuous period for Judah, specifically during the Babylonian exile. The people were desperate for hope and guidance, making them particularly vulnerable to false prophets who offered comforting, yet ultimately deceptive, messages of peace and imminent return from exile. These false prophets often mimicked true prophetic practices but lacked divine authorization, seeking personal gain or popularity. The "kerchiefs" and "magic bands" mentioned in this passage likely refer to ritualistic items used in divination, sorcery, or sympathetic magic, common in ancient Near Eastern pagan practices, which these prophetesses had incorporated into their pseudo-religious activities to gain influence and control over the populace, preying on their spiritual anxieties.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic tradition. Primarily, it underscores God's **fierce opposition to spiritual deception and exploitation**, particularly by those who claim to speak in His name. It highlights the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, demonstrating that God will not tolerate the corruption of His word or the abuse of His people. Furthermore, it emphasizes God's **sovereignty and protective care for His people**, as He explicitly states His intention to "deliver my people out of your hand," rescuing them from spiritual bondage. This act of deliverance culminates in the recurring declaration, "ye shall know that I am the LORD," a foundational theme throughout Ezekiel that asserts God's undeniable authority and self-revelation through His acts of judgment and salvation, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Then they will know that I am the LORD"). The predatory imagery of being "hunted" also reinforces the theme of the false prophets as spiritual predators, contrasting sharply with God's character as a shepherd.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kerchiefs (Hebrew, _miçpâchâh'_):** This term (H4555) refers to a veil or covering, specifically one that is "spread out." In this context, it denotes a ritualistic or magical garment or item used by the false prophetesses. These "kerchiefs" were not merely articles of clothing but instruments of their deceptive practices, perhaps used in divination, to cast spells, or to symbolize their supposed power to ensnare or control the "souls" of people, treating them like prey. God's act of tearing them signifies the complete nullification and destruction of their false authority and manipulative power.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew word _yâd_ (H3027) is rich in meaning, extending beyond the literal appendage to signify power, control, authority, possession, and even the means by which something is accomplished. The repeated phrase "out of your hand" and "no more in your hand" powerfully conveys the idea of liberation from the false prophetesses' dominion, control, and predatory grasp. God is removing His people from their sphere of influence and exploitation, asserting His own superior power and authority.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The verb _yâdaʻ_ (H3045) means "to know," but it encompasses a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. When God declares, "ye shall know that I am the LORD," it signifies a profound revelation of His true nature, power, and identity. This knowledge is gained through His decisive actions of judgment and deliverance. Both the false prophets and the delivered people will come to a clear, undeniable understanding of who Yahweh (H3068, the LORD) truly is—the sovereign, righteous, and protective God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Your kerchiefs also will I tear":** This clause signifies God's direct and forceful intervention to dismantle the instruments of deception used by the false prophetesses. The act of "tearing" (H7167, _qâraʻ_) implies a violent, complete destruction, rendering their magical or manipulative tools utterly useless and powerless. It is a public undoing of their false authority.
* **"and deliver my people out of your hand":** Here, God explicitly states His protective and redemptive purpose. He identifies the ensnared as "my people," underscoring His covenant relationship with them. To "deliver" (H5337, _nâtsal_) means to snatch away or rescue, emphasizing God's active role in liberating them from the oppressive and controlling "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) of the false prophetesses.
* **"and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted":** This phrase intensifies the previous one, highlighting the predatory nature of the false prophetesses. The word "hunted" (H4686, _mâtsûwd_) evokes the imagery of prey being trapped in a net or snare. God's promise ensures that His people will be permanently freed from this exploitative relationship, no longer vulnerable targets for spiritual manipulation and exploitation.
* **"and ye shall know that I am the LORD.":** This is the ultimate theological outcome and a recurring divine formula in Ezekiel. Through these acts of judgment and deliverance, God's true identity and sovereign power (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) will be undeniably revealed. Both the false prophets, who will experience His judgment, and the delivered people, who will experience His salvation, will come to a profound, experiential "knowledge" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) of Yahweh as the one true God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:21 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey its message. The "kerchiefs" evoke a visual of the specific, tangible tools of deception used by the prophetesses, making their manipulative practices concrete. The description of God's people being "hunted" uses a vivid **Metaphor** of predator and prey, powerfully illustrating the exploitative and dangerous nature of the false prophets' ministry. This metaphor underscores the vulnerability of the people and the insidious intent of their deceivers. The verse also features a recurring **Divine Formula** or **Recognition Formula** in "ye shall know that I am the LORD." This phrase functions as a theological refrain throughout Ezekiel, emphasizing that God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation, are ultimately designed to reveal His unique, sovereign identity and power to all parties involved. This formula serves as both a declaration of divine authority and a promise of ultimate revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:21 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to truth and His fierce opposition to spiritual deception. It underscores the vital importance of discernment within the community of faith, warning against those who would exploit spiritual vulnerability for personal gain. The Lord's intervention is not merely punitive but redemptive, demonstrating His active role as the protector and deliverer of His people from the snares of falsehood. This divine act of liberation serves to vindicate God's character and reveal His supreme sovereignty, ensuring that His people can truly know and follow Him without hindrance from false voices. The judgment against the false prophetesses also highlights the profound accountability that rests upon those who claim to speak for God, emphasizing the sacred trust involved in spiritual leadership.

* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [Jeremiah 23:1-4](/jeremiah/23-1 "Jeremiah 23:1-4 - Woe to False Shepherds")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:21 offers both a sobering warning and profound comfort for believers today. In an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, the call to discernment is more critical than ever. We are reminded that not every voice claiming divine authority is genuinely from God; some may seek to ensnare, control, or exploit. This verse challenges us to diligently test all teachings against the unchanging truth of God's Word, to cultivate a spirit of critical inquiry, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Simultaneously, it provides immense reassurance: God actively protects His people. He is faithful to deliver those who are truly His from spiritual bondage and deception, breaking the chains of manipulation and revealing Himself as the true Shepherd. This should inspire confidence and trust in His protective hand, even when surrounded by spiritual confusion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I personally discern between true and false spiritual messages in my life and in the broader Christian landscape?**
* **In what ways might I be vulnerable to spiritual deception, and what steps can I take to strengthen my spiritual defenses?**
* **How does God's promise to "deliver my people" encourage me when I feel spiritually threatened or confused?**
* **What responsibility do I have to promote truth and expose falsehood within my sphere of influence, in a loving and biblical manner?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were these "kerchiefs" and "magic bands" used by the false prophetesses?**

Answer: The "kerchiefs" (Hebrew: *miçpâchâh*) and "magic bands" (Hebrew: *qesāmîm*, referring to armbands or coverings) mentioned in Ezekiel 13:18-21 were ritualistic items used by the false prophetesses in their deceptive practices. While their exact nature is debated, they were likely associated with divination, sorcery, or sympathetic magic, common in the ancient Near East. These prophetesses would use them to symbolize their supposed power over life and death, to "hunt" or ensnare souls, and to manipulate people into believing their false prophecies, often for personal gain. God's judgment involves tearing these items, symbolizing the complete destruction of their false authority and the nullification of their manipulative power.

**Who were these "false prophetesses," and why were they so dangerous?**

Answer: These false prophetesses were individuals who claimed to speak on behalf of the Lord but were, in fact, prophesying "out of their own imagination" (as stated earlier in [Ezekiel 13:2](/ezekiel/13-2 "Ezekiel 13:2 - Prophesy against the prophets of Israel")). They were dangerous because they offered false hope and security, telling the people "peace, when there is no peace" ([Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - False Peace")), thereby preventing genuine repentance and preparation for God's impending judgment (the Babylonian exile). They exploited the spiritual anxieties of the people, treating them like "prey" to be "hunted" for their own benefit, leading them further away from the true God and His will. Their deceptive practices undermined the true prophetic word and posed a direct threat to the spiritual well-being of God's covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd who truly delivers His people from spiritual deception and bondage. The false prophetesses in Ezekiel were spiritual predators, ensnaring souls with their lies and treating God's people as prey. In stark contrast, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). He did not exploit or ensnare but sacrificed Himself to liberate. The "kerchiefs" and "hands" of control represent the spiritual forces of darkness and the power of sin and death that held humanity captive. Through His death and resurrection, Christ "disarmed the powers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Powers")), tearing away their ability to ensnare. He delivers His people "out of the hand" of the enemy, bringing them into His secure fold, where they are "no more in your hand to be hunted." His victory ensures that His sheep "will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Ultimately, through Christ, we truly "know that I am the LORD," experiencing the full revelation of God's character as both righteous judge and loving Savior, who protects His flock from all spiritual adversaries.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 91:3

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.