Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 13:9. It’s a pretty powerful and significant passage about God’s plan for His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is deliberately choosing to remove those who are trying to deceive or mislead His followers. It’s a strong warning and a protective measure. Let’s break it down word by word: “Ezekiel 13:9” : This refers to a specific event in the book of Ezekiel, which is a prophetic account of God's plan for Israel. “And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies:” This is key. “Mine hand” means God’s active control and judgment. "See vanity" means they are being dishonest, misleading, or acting in a way that isn't true to God. "Divine lies" refers to false teachings or interpretations of scripture. “They shall not be in the assembly of my people:” This is a clear statement – these people are being excluded from participation in God’s community and worship. “neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel:” This means their influence, their reputation, or their authority will be diminished. They won't be recognized or valued as part of the established religious system. “neither shall they enter into the land of Israel:” This is a very important consequence – they’re being barred from the promised land and its blessings. “and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.” This final phrase is a declaration of God's absolute sovereignty. It emphasizes that only God is truly God and has ultimate authority. So, what does it mean practically? This verse warns against those who are actively trying to undermine God’s message and His people. It speaks to: False prophets: People claiming to have divine insight but actually promoting deception. Deception in religious practices: People twisting or misrepresenting scripture to benefit themselves. Disrupting the faith: Anyone who actively works against the unity of God's followers. Important Context - Ezekiel 13: This verse comes from a larger prophecy about Israel’s future. It describes a time when God will use a "prophet" (Ezekiel in this case) to reveal His plan and judgment. It's a moment of intense divine activity aimed at removing those who would oppose the true faith. In short, it’s a warning that God is actively protecting His people from those who are attempting to undermine their trust and unity. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Discuss the context of Ezekiel 13?