Ezequiel 13

XIII.

A prophecy very similar to this was uttered by Jeremiah (Jeremias 23), only a few years before, against the false prophets in and around Jerusalem. It is not unlikely that Ezekiel may have read it; as Jeremiah (Jeremias 29:1) certainly sent some of his prophecies to those in the captivity, and it is altogether probable that he knew its substance. He, however, addresses himself here to the false prophets among the captives (see Ezequiel 13:9), and in the latter part of the chapter (Ezequiel 13:17) especially to the prophetesses. In both parts their conduct is first described (Ezequiel 13:3; Ezequiel 13:17), and then their doom (Ezequiel 13:8; Ezequiel 13:20). Such false prophets have always been a chief hindrance to the truth (just as false teaching within the Church now is far more dangerous than any attack from without), and they especially abounded in times of difficulty and danger. Jeremiah speaks repeatedly of their opposition to him in Judæa (Jeremias 14:13; Jeremias 23:9; Jeremias 23:13; Jeremias 23:16; Jeremias 23:21; Jeremias 23:25; Jeremiah 27, 28.), and expressly mentions also their activity among the exiles (Jeremias 29:15).