Definition: They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 13:6. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about deception. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people are trying to trick others with false predictions and messages – essentially, they’re creating illusions or misleading information. They’re claiming the Lord (God) has spoken, but they're actually trying to convince people that the Lord’s words are true, even though the Lord himself isn’t involved. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “They have seen vanity and lying divination…” : This refers to those who are attempting to trick others with deceptive or false things. “Divination” in this context means predictions, interpretations, or guesswork. The word "vanity" means a lack of true worth or value – they’re trying to make something seem valuable when it isn't. “…saying, The LORD saith…” : This is the Lord speaking directly to these people. He’s stating a truth that they’ve been hearing. “and the LORD hath not sent them” : This is crucial. The Lord isn’t actually sending anyone; he's speaking to them. It’s emphasizing that this isn't a legitimate message from him. “…and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.” : This is where it gets really interesting and potentially dangerous. They’re trying to convince people to believe something that isn’t true, based on their own interpretations or false claims. They're creating a situation where people are relying on these misleading messages instead of looking at the real truth from God. In short, it’s about a group of people who are trying to deceive others by spreading false promises and claims. Why is this important? This verse highlights a serious problem: the potential for manipulation and deception can undermine faith and trust. It's a warning against cynicism and the importance of relying on God’s truth, rather than just what someone else says. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a historical context for this passage? Discuss its relevance to modern-day issues?