Ezekiel 13:9

KJV

And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And mine hand {H3027} shall be upon the prophets {H5030} that see {H2374} vanity {H7723}, and that divine {H7080} lies {H3577}: they shall not be in the assembly {H5475} of my people {H5971}, neither shall they be written {H3789} in the writing {H3791} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, neither shall they enter {H935} into the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}; and ye shall know {H3045} that I am the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'"My hand will be against the prophets who have futile visions and produce false divinations; they will not be allowed into the council of my people, or be written in the register of the house of Isra'el, or enter the land of Isra'el. Then you will know that I am Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

And my hand shall be against the prophets that see false visions, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the council of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 13:9 declares a severe divine judgment against false prophets who deceive God's people with empty visions and lying divinations. The Lord asserts His direct opposition to these deceivers, detailing a threefold punishment: their exclusion from the assembly of His people, removal from the official register of the house of Israel, and denial of entry into the land of Israel. This comprehensive condemnation underscores God's unwavering commitment to truth and His righteous indignation against those who corrupt spiritual authority, ultimately revealing His sovereign identity as the Lord GOD to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a powerful prophetic oracle in [Ezekiel 13](/ezekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - Condemnation of False Prophets"), specifically targeting the false prophets and prophetesses who were active during the Babylonian exile. The chapter immediately follows Ezekiel's visions of the abominations within the temple and the subsequent departure of God's glory from Jerusalem, emphasizing the spiritual decay that led to the nation's judgment ([Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8-11 "Ezekiel 8-11 - Abominations and God's Glory Departs")). The false prophets were offering messages of "peace" and a swift return from exile, directly contradicting the Lord's message of prolonged judgment and the necessity of repentance delivered through Ezekiel. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 13:1-8) vividly describe their deceitful practices, likening them to "foxes among the ruins" and builders of "flimsy walls" plastered with whitewash, highlighting their lack of divine commission and the destructive consequences of their hollow words. Verse 9 then outlines the specific, multi-faceted divine punishments for their egregious spiritual malpractice, culminating in the revelation of God's sovereign identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's ministry unfolded during a period of profound national crisis for Judah in the early 6th century BCE. Jerusalem had fallen to Babylon in 597 BCE, leading to the first major deportation of its inhabitants, including Ezekiel himself. Amidst the trauma of exile and the yearning for restoration, the populace was highly susceptible to comforting, yet false, prophecies of imminent return and renewed prosperity. These false prophets, often motivated by self-interest, popularity, or a desire to appease the people, offered messages of *shalom* (peace) that directly undermined the true prophetic word, which called for submission to God's judgment and genuine repentance. The cultural significance of the punishments outlined in [Ezekiel 13:9](/ezekiel/13-9 "Ezekiel 13:9 - Judgment on False Prophets") cannot be overstated. Being "in the assembly of my people," "written in the writing of the house of Israel," and "enter into the land of Israel" were fundamental aspects of Israelite identity, covenant belonging, and national hope. Exclusion from these signified a profound spiritual, social, and existential condemnation, stripping them of their place within the covenant community and its future blessings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Falsehood**, asserting God's active, direct, and severe opposition to spiritual deception. The "hand" of God signifies His personal intervention and punitive action against those who corrupt His sacred word. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Exclusion and Disinheritance**, detailing a comprehensive loss of covenant identity and privilege for the unfaithful. This multifaceted exclusion underscores the gravity of their offense against God and His people, mirroring the judgment on the nation itself for its idolatry and disobedience, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 5:12](/ezekiel/5-12 "Ezekiel 5:12 - Judgment and Dispersion"). Finally, the concluding phrase, "and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD," is a pivotal and recurring **Revelation of God's Sovereignty and Authority** throughout Ezekiel. This declaration, appearing over 70 times in the book, signifies that God's judgments—whether on Israel or surrounding nations—ultimately serve to reveal His unique, unchallengeable nature and power, distinguishing His truth from all human and idolatrous falsehoods ([Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing the Lord Through Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this term denotes God's active, powerful intervention and judgment. In this context, God's "hand" being "upon" the false prophets signifies a direct, deliberate, and inescapable exercise of His authority and might, indicating that the severe consequences they face are not accidental but a precise act of divine justice.
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîy'_):** From H5030, this word refers to an individual divinely called to speak on behalf of God, an inspired messenger. The use of this term here highlights the profound betrayal of trust and the corruption of a sacred office by those who claimed to deliver God's message but instead propagated their own deceitful fabrications.
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ'_):** From H7723, this word conveys emptiness, worthlessness, and falsehood. It describes prophecies that are hollow, devoid of divine truth, and ultimately deceptive, standing in stark contrast to the substantial and truthful word of God. The parallel phrase "divine lies" (Hebrew, *kâzâb*, H3577), meaning falsehood or deceit, further emphasizes the deliberate and deceptive nature of their pronouncements.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies:"** This opening clause declares God's direct, active, and punitive judgment against those who claim prophetic insight but offer empty, worthless, and deceptive messages. The phrase "mine hand shall be upon" signifies a powerful, inescapable divine intervention, targeting those who have corrupted the sacred office of prophecy with falsehood and self-deception.
* **"they shall not be in the assembly of my people,"** This is the first of a series of severe exclusions. "The assembly of my people" refers to the covenant community of Israel, the gathered congregation. This signifies a profound spiritual and social ostracism, a loss of their place and standing within the fellowship of God's chosen people, indicating a severing of their covenant relationship and participation in the life of the faithful.
* **"neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel,"** This second exclusion refers to their removal from the official register or genealogical records of the Israelite community. Such a "writing" (Hebrew, *kâthâb*, H3791) symbolized one's identity, inheritance, and participation in the blessings of the covenant. To be removed from it meant a loss of spiritual identity, privilege, and a share in the future destiny of God's people.
* **"neither shall they enter into the land of Israel;"** The third and final exclusion denies them access to the physical land of Israel (Hebrew, *ʼădâmâh*, H127). The Promised Land was the ultimate symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, the place of His presence, and the inheritance of His people. This exclusion represents a complete disinheritance, both physically and spiritually, from the blessings and promises associated with the land.
* **"and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD."** This concluding declaration, a hallmark of Ezekiel's prophecy, reveals the ultimate purpose of God's judgment. Through these severe consequences for the false prophets, God's people (and potentially the surrounding nations) will come to fully recognize His supreme authority, His unique identity as the sovereign God (Hebrew, *ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih*, H136 H3069), and the absolute truthfulness of His word, distinguishing it from all human deception and idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 13:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and the nature of God. The phrase "mine hand shall be upon" functions as a potent **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "hand" represents the entirety of God's active, direct, and punitive intervention, emphasizing His sovereign power and determination to act against falsehood. The verse also utilizes striking **Parallelism** and a **Tripartite Exclusion** structure through the repeated negation: "they shall not be in the assembly... neither shall they be written... neither shall they enter..." This threefold declaration emphatically underscores the comprehensive, irreversible, and absolute nature of the judgment, signifying a total loss of community, identity, and inheritance. Furthermore, a clear **Contrast** is established between the "vanity" and "lies" spoken by the false prophets and the ultimate revelation of "the Lord GOD," highlighting the absolute distinction between human deception and divine truth. The **Repetition** of "Israel" throughout the exclusions reinforces the specific identity of the people and the land from which these deceivers are being cut off, emphasizing the covenantal context of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 13:9 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to truth and His severe condemnation of those who profane His name by speaking falsehood in His stead. The theological implication is profoundly clear: God is inherently a God of truth, and He will not tolerate deception, especially when it masquerades as divine revelation and leads His people astray. This passage underscores the immense responsibility of those who claim to speak for God, emphasizing that divine judgment awaits those who prioritize personal gain, popularity, or human comfort over the faithful proclamation of His unadulterated word. It also highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment for believers, who must carefully weigh all spiritual claims against the revealed character and authoritative word of God. The comprehensive nature of the judgment—exclusion from community, identity, and land—reflects the profound spiritual damage inflicted by false prophecy, which alienates people from God's true covenant blessings and jeopardizes their eternal destiny.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "The Penalty for a False Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 23:30-32](/jeremiah/23-30-32 "God's Indictment of False Prophets")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Warning Against False Prophets and Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 13:9 holds profound contemporary relevance, calling believers to a renewed commitment to spiritual discernment and truth in an age saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims. The ability to distinguish between genuine divine revelation and deceptive falsehood is more critical than ever. This verse reminds us that not all who claim to speak for God truly do, and that the consequences of embracing or propagating spiritual lies are severe, leading to alienation from God's true community and blessings. We are challenged to cultivate a deep familiarity with the authentic voice of God as revealed in Scripture, allowing it to be the plumb line against which all other claims are measured. This requires diligent study of the Bible, prayerful reflection, and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Ultimately, it calls us to prioritize the unvarnished truth of God's Word, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular, over comforting deceptions, ensuring our faith is grounded in the unchanging reality of the Lord GOD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of the judgment against false prophets in [Ezekiel 13:9](/ezekiel/13-9 "Divine Judgment on False Prophets") emphasize the seriousness of spiritual deception in God's eyes?**
* **In what ways might "vanity" or "lies" manifest in spiritual claims or teachings today, and how can believers discern them effectively?**
* **What practical steps can individuals and communities take to cultivate deeper spiritual discernment and protect themselves from false teaching?**
* **How does the recurring phrase "and ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD" in Ezekiel shape our understanding of God's ultimate purpose in both judgment and salvation?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that false prophets "shall not be in the assembly of my people"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound exclusion from the covenant community of Israel. "The assembly of my people" (Hebrew, *çôwd ʻam*, H5475 H5971) refers to the gathered congregation, the collective body of those in covenant relationship with God. For the false prophets, this meant a loss of their standing, fellowship, and participation in the spiritual and social life of God's chosen people. It was a public and spiritual ostracism, indicating that they were no longer considered part of God's true flock due to their deceptive practices and their leading of others astray from the divine truth.

**What is the significance of "not be written in the writing of the house of Israel"?**

Answer: To be "written in the writing of the house of Israel" (Hebrew, *kâthâb bayith Yisrâʼêl*, H3791 H1004 H3478) refers to being recorded in the official registers or genealogical records of the Israelite community. These writings were crucial for establishing one's identity, inheritance, and participation in the blessings and privileges of the covenant. Being removed from this register symbolized a complete loss of spiritual identity, disinheritance from the promises made to Israel, and a severing of their connection to the lineage and destiny of God's chosen people. It was a declaration that they had forfeited their place in God's redemptive plan for Israel, akin to being blotted out of the book of life in a spiritual sense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 13:9, with its stern judgment on false prophets, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Truth incarnate, and in the New Covenant's warnings against spiritual deception. Jesus Himself is the ultimate true Prophet, who perfectly reveals the Father's will and speaks only words of truth, declaring, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Word Made Flesh")). He definitively proclaimed, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Jesus warned His disciples extensively about false prophets and teachers who would arise, appearing as "wolves in sheep's clothing" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")), and taught that they would be known by their corrupt fruits. The judgment pronounced in Ezekiel—exclusion from the assembly, removal from the register, and denial of the land—foreshadows the spiritual reality of those who reject Christ and His truth. In the New Testament, those who are truly God's people are "written in the Lamb's book of life" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those in the Book of Life Enter New Jerusalem")), and their inheritance is not merely a physical land but the spiritual blessings of the heavenly kingdom and eternal life in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). False teachers, by contrast, are those who deny Christ or His redemptive work, bringing in "destructive heresies" and facing certain judgment, as warned in [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Their Destruction"). Thus, Ezekiel's prophecy highlights the eternal consequences of rejecting God's authentic word and embracing falsehood, a truth powerfully illuminated and ultimately fulfilled in the person and gospel of Jesus Christ.

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 69:28

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Ezekiel 20:38

And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 87:6

The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, [that] this [man] was born there. Selah.

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Jeremiah 28:15

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

Jeremiah 20:3

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah unto him, The LORD hath not called thy name Pashur, but Magormissabib.