Ezekiel 13:5

KJV

Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye have not gone up {H5927} into the gaps {H6556}, neither made up {H1443} the hedge {H1447} for the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} to stand {H5975} in the battle {H4421} in the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You [prophets] have not gone up to the breaks in the barricade or repaired it for the house of Isra'el, so that they can stand fast in battle on the day of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

You did not go up to the gaps or restore the wall around the house of Israel so that it would stand in the battle on the Day of the LORD.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:5 delivers a searing divine indictment against the false prophets of Israel, condemning their profound failure to act as spiritual guardians and prepare the nation for God's impending judgment. Through potent military and agricultural metaphors, the verse vividly portrays these deceptive leaders as having neglected their sacred duty to repair the breaches in the nation's spiritual defenses and to fortify its moral integrity. This dereliction of duty left the "house of Israel" utterly vulnerable and unprepared to withstand the decisive "day of the LORD," a period of divine reckoning. Their comforting yet deceitful messages of peace and prosperity, rather than prophetic warnings and calls to repentance, directly contributed to the people's spiritual complacency and ultimate downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 13 is a pivotal chapter within the broader prophetic messages of judgment and restoration delivered by Ezekiel, specifically focusing on a scathing denunciation of false prophets and prophetesses. Preceding chapters, such as [Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8-11 - Abominations in the Temple and God's Glory Departs"), detail the escalating abominations within Jerusalem and the eventual departure of God's glory, signaling imminent destruction. Chapter 12 then illustrates the certainty of exile through symbolic actions. Chapter 13 directly addresses the spiritual deception that exacerbated Israel's plight, portraying the false prophets as builders of "untempered mortar" ([Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - False Prophets Build with Untempered Mortar")), offering false hope and peace where God had declared judgment. This particular verse, [Ezekiel 13:5](/ezekiel/13-5 "Ezekiel 13:5 - Failure of False Prophets"), specifically highlights their egregious dereliction of duty in failing to prepare the people for the inevitable divine reckoning, setting the stage for further condemnations of their deceitful practices throughout the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ezekiel is set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Babylonian exile, spanning roughly 597 BCE to 571 BCE. Ezekiel, a priest, was among the first wave of exiles deported to Babylon after Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem. During this period, both in exile and in Judah, a proliferation of false prophets emerged. These individuals proclaimed messages of peace, prosperity, and imminent deliverance, directly contradicting the true prophetic warnings of Jeremiah in Jerusalem and Ezekiel in Babylon. Such false prophecies resonated deeply with the people's desires, offering a comforting alternative to the harsh reality of God's impending judgment and the certainty of prolonged exile. The imagery of "gaps" and "hedges" draws from ancient Near Eastern military and agricultural practices: a city's defensive wall required constant vigilance and repair to protect against invaders, and a farmer's hedge served as a crucial barrier to protect crops from wild animals or trespassers. The failure of leadership to maintain these vital defenses was understood as catastrophic, leading to inevitable destruction or ruin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several profound themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the **failure of leadership**, as the false prophets, who should have been spiritual guardians and watchmen, instead proved to be negligent, deceptive, and ultimately destructive. Their inaction in "going up into the gaps" and "making up the hedge" underscores a profound **dereliction of duty** in warning the people of their sin and preparing them for God's judgment. This stands in stark contrast to the theme of **true prophecy**, which involves courageously speaking God's unvarnished truth, even when unpopular, and calling for genuine repentance. The verse also highlights the **inevitability of divine judgment**, particularly in the context of "the day of the LORD," a recurring motif that signifies God's decisive intervention in history to execute justice. The false prophets' actions left the "house of Israel" vulnerable to this judgment, emphasizing the severe **consequences of spiritual deception** and the critical need for **discernment** among God's people, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books, as seen in [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Prophecy Against False Prophets") and [Deuteronomy 18](/deuteronomy/18 "Deuteronomy 18 - Prophets and Divination").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gaps (Hebrew, _perets'_):** From H6556, meaning "a break (literally or figuratively); breach, breaking forth (in), [idiom] forth, gap." In this context, "gaps" refers to breaches or weak points in a defensive wall, symbolizing the moral, spiritual, and social decay within the "house of Israel." The false prophets failed to identify and address these vulnerabilities, allowing sin, corruption, and ultimately, divine judgment to pour in unchecked, compromising the nation's integrity and safety.
* **made up the hedge (Hebrew, _gâdar'_ / _gâdêr'_):** This phrase involves two related Hebrew words. H1443 (_gâdar'_) is a primitive root meaning "to wall in or around; close up, fence up, hedge, inclose, make up (a wall), mason, repairer." H1447 (_gâdêr'_) is derived from _gâdar'_, meaning "a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure; fence, hedge, wall." Together, they signify the act of building, repairing, or maintaining a protective barrier. The false prophets neglected their responsibility to construct and maintain spiritual and moral boundaries for the nation, failing to uphold God's law and call the people to righteousness. This left Israel exposed and vulnerable to the destructive forces of God's judgment and their own unfaithfulness.
* **day of the LORD (Hebrew, _yôwm Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3117 (_yôwm'_), meaning "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term)," and H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh'_), meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is a profound theological concept denoting a specific, decisive time when God intervenes in history to execute His sovereign will, often bringing judgment upon the wicked and vindication for His purposes. Here, it specifically refers to the impending Babylonian invasion and the destruction of Jerusalem, understood as God's righteous judgment against His disobedient people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye have not gone up into the gaps":** This clause serves as a direct and severe indictment against the false prophets, accusing them of a profound failure to address the spiritual and moral breaches within the "house of Israel." It implies a lack of courage, vigilance, and proactive intervention. Like watchmen on a city wall who fail to alert the inhabitants to an approaching enemy or to repair a crumbling defense, these prophets did not warn the people of their sins or the impending judgment, nor did they stand in intercession on their behalf. They allowed the nation's spiritual integrity to erode.
* **"neither made up the hedge":** This phrase further emphasizes the prophets' negligence and dereliction of duty. The "hedge" represents a protective barrier, symbolizing the spiritual and moral integrity and divine protection that should have surrounded Israel, maintained through obedience to God's covenant. By not "making up" or repairing this hedge, the false prophets allowed the nation to remain exposed and vulnerable to the consequences of their unfaithfulness and God's righteous wrath, failing to provide the necessary spiritual boundaries and instruction.
* **"for the house of Israel to stand in the battle":** This phrase reveals the critical purpose of the neglected duties. The "house of Israel" (the nation as a whole) needed to be fortified, prepared, and spiritually resilient to "stand" or endure the coming "battle." The false prophets' failure meant the people were left spiritually weak, morally compromised, and utterly unprepared to face the severe trials and divine judgment that awaited them, making them easy prey for destruction.
* **"in the day of the LORD":** This specifies the critical and ultimate time for which Israel desperately needed to be prepared. The "day of the LORD" was not merely a military conflict with Babylon but a divinely ordained period of reckoning, a decisive intervention by God to execute justice upon His rebellious people. The false prophets, by their deceptive messages of peace and security, lulled the people into a false sense of complacency, ensuring they would be utterly unprepared for this inevitable and devastating divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:5 is profoundly rich in **Metaphor**, drawing heavily on military and agricultural imagery to convey its powerful message of spiritual negligence and its dire consequences. The "gaps" and "hedge" are vivid metaphors for the spiritual and moral defenses of the nation. "Gaps" represent the breaches of sin, idolatry, and unfaithfulness that weaken Israel's standing before God, while the "hedge" symbolizes the protective spiritual and moral boundaries that true leadership should diligently maintain through faithful teaching and intercession. The "battle" is a metaphor for the impending divine judgment and the physical invasion by Babylon, which is understood as God's instrument of wrath. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as those who claimed to speak for God (the false prophets) were, in fact, undermining the very people they purported to guide, leading them to destruction rather than safety. The verse employs **Antithesis** by sharply contrasting what the prophets *should* have done ("gone up into the gaps," "made up the hedge") with their actual inaction, highlighting their profound dereliction of duty. The cumulative effect of these devices is to paint a stark and devastating picture of spiritual negligence and its catastrophic consequences for the "house of Israel."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:5 serves as a timeless and potent warning about the profound responsibility inherent in spiritual leadership and the perilous consequences of spiritual negligence and deception. The failure of the false prophets to "go up into the gaps" or "make up the hedge" is a theological statement about the critical role of truth-telling, courageous intercession, and spiritual fortification in the life of God's people. True spiritual leaders are called to be vigilant watchmen, discerning the signs of the times, warning of sin, and diligently preparing the flock for both trials and the ultimate "day of the LORD." Their failure to do so leaves the community vulnerable to spiritual attack and divine judgment, emphasizing that God holds leaders accountable for the well-being and preparedness of His "house." This indictment underscores the necessity of discerning truth from falsehood, especially when comforting lies are more appealing than difficult truths, and highlights the divine demand for integrity and faithfulness in all who claim to speak for God.

* [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Prophets and Superficial Peace")
* [Psalm 106:23](/psalm/106-23 "Psalm 106:23 - Moses Stands in the Breach")
* [Isaiah 62:6](/isaiah/62-6 "Isaiah 62:6 - Watchmen on the Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:5 resonates deeply with contemporary spiritual life, urging believers to cultivate discernment, courage, and integrity in an age often saturated with comforting but ultimately deceptive messages. It compels us to critically examine the quality of spiritual leadership we follow and to embody the principles of true spiritual guardianship in our own spheres of influence, whether in our families, churches, or communities. We are called not to shy away from difficult truths or to offer superficial comfort, but to faithfully uphold God's Word, to identify and address the "gaps" of moral compromise, spiritual apathy, and doctrinal error in our lives and communities. This means actively "making up the hedge" through consistent prayer, diligent study of Scripture, righteous living, and courageous witness. Being prepared to stand firm against cultural pressures and spiritual attacks requires genuine spiritual strength, which comes from adherence to divine truth, not from false assurances. The sobering reality of "the day of the LORD" reminds us that accountability is real, and spiritual preparedness is paramount for all who claim to follow God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or leaders I follow, be failing to "go up into the gaps" or "make up the hedge" in my personal life or community today?**
* **How can I better discern between true, challenging biblical teaching and comforting but deceptive messages that might leave me spiritually unprepared for trials or divine reckoning?**
* **What specific "gaps" (areas of unconfessed sin, neglect of spiritual disciplines, or moral compromise) in my own spiritual life need to be addressed and "hedged up" (protected) through intentional repentance and obedience?**
* **How does the concept of "the day of the LORD"—both in its historical context and its future eschatological implications—motivate me to live a life of greater spiritual vigilance, integrity, and obedience?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "gaps" and "hedge" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The "gaps" (Hebrew: _perets_) refer to breaches or weak points in a defensive wall, while the "hedge" (Hebrew: _gâdêr_) signifies a protective barrier or enclosure. In the context of [Ezekiel 13:5](/ezekiel/13-5 "Ezekiel 13:5 - Failure of False Prophets"), these are powerful metaphors for the spiritual and moral defenses of the "house of Israel." The false prophets are condemned for failing to identify and repair these "gaps" of sin, idolatry, and unfaithfulness, and for neglecting to "make up the hedge" by upholding God's law, promoting righteousness, and preparing the people for judgment. Their inaction left the nation spiritually exposed and vulnerable to the consequences of their disobedience and God's righteous wrath.

**What is the significance of "the day of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: "The day of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yôwm Yᵉhôvâh_) is a recurring and highly significant theological concept in the Old Testament, denoting a specific, decisive time when God intervenes in human history to execute His sovereign will. While it can sometimes refer to salvation or vindication, in prophetic books like Ezekiel, it most often signifies a time of divine judgment and wrath against sin and rebellion. In [Ezekiel 13:5](/ezekiel/13-5 "Ezekiel 13:5 - Failure of False Prophets"), it specifically points to the impending Babylonian invasion and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem. This event was not merely a political or military defeat but was understood as God's righteous judgment against Israel for their persistent idolatry, injustice, and disobedience. The false prophets' failure to prepare the people for this "day" meant they were spiritually unprepared for God's severe reckoning, leading to widespread devastation.

**How does this verse apply to spiritual leadership today?**

Answer: [Ezekiel 13:5](/ezekiel/13-5 "Ezekiel 13:5 - Failure of False Prophets") serves as a timeless warning and profound instruction for spiritual leaders across all generations. It underscores that true leadership involves courageously speaking God's truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging, and actively preparing God's people for spiritual challenges, moral compromises, and ultimate accountability before God. Leaders are called to be like vigilant watchmen, identifying "gaps" of sin, doctrinal error, and spiritual complacency within the community and diligently "making up the hedge" through sound biblical teaching, moral instruction, fervent intercession, and faithful discipleship. Failure to do so, by offering false comfort, neglecting difficult truths, or prioritizing popularity over truth, leaves the flock vulnerable and unprepared, ultimately leading to spiritual harm and divine displeasure. It emphasizes that leaders are accountable to God for the spiritual well-being and preparedness of those entrusted to their care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:5, with its stark indictment of false prophets for failing to protect Israel by neglecting to "go up into the gaps" and "make up the hedge," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the ultimate True Shepherd and Builder of His Church. While the Old Testament leaders failed to provide the necessary spiritual defenses, leaving God's people exposed to judgment, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills this role. He is the one who truly "stood in the gap" for humanity, not merely through intercession, but through His perfect obedience and His sacrificial death on the cross, bridging the chasm of sin that separated humanity from God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). He is the one who builds the impregnable "hedge" of His Church, declaring that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")), thereby providing ultimate spiritual security. Unlike the false prophets who offered deceptive peace, Jesus is our true "peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He prepares His people not for a temporal battle against an earthly foe, but for the ultimate "Day of the Lord"—His glorious return and final judgment. Through His atoning work and the gift of His Spirit, believers are enabled to "stand in the battle" because they are clothed in His righteousness and empowered by His divine presence ([Ephesians 6:13](/ephesians/6-13 "Ephesians 6:13 - The Full Armor of God")). Thus, what the Old Testament leaders catastrophically failed to do, Christ accomplished fully and eternally, establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken and leading His people to ultimate victory and eternal security in Him.

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

Ezekiel 22:30

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Psalms 106:23

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

Isaiah 13:9

Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

Jeremiah 23:22

But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Isaiah 13:6

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Joel 3:14

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.