One might well ask the question "Why did God allow the false prophets to flourish?" The answer is found in Deuteronomy "If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder and the sign or the wonder comes true (signs and wonders that came true was an indicator of a true prophet [Dt18:22] but were never meant to be the final test of truth - This warning is as relevant today as it was in ancient Israel, especially in view of the wide resurgence of occultism, new age, and all kinds of paranormal phenomena--all opposing true Biblical Christianity) , concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,' (this should immediately identify a false prophet) you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. "But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has counseled rebellion against the LORD your God who brought you from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to seduce you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from among you." (Dt 13:1-5) God, in His sovereignty, allowed false prophets to entice the people to test the true disposition of their hearts. Would they listen to God or the false prophets. All too often in Israel's history, they listened to the false rather than the true.

and say to those who prophesy from their own inspiration These prophets weren't speaking His Word, but their own words that came from their "own inspiration" or more literally, "their own heart". Jeremiah reminds us what comes out of such hearts writing that the fallen, unredeemed "heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?", adding that "the LORD, (searches) the heart, (tests) the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." (Jer17:9) As we see in this section of Ezekiel, the end of these prophets would be according to their deeds.

 By contrast a true prophet was one who spoke only God’s will and was led by God’s Spirit. And so Peter instructs us that "no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Pet 1:21). Similar Paul affirms that the "things (which he speaks are) not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words."  (1 Cor 2:13)

J. Vernon McGee comments "What was the problem? These prophets prophesied "out of their own hearts." God have mercy on the man who stands in the pulpit and gives his own viewpoints and does not give the Word of God. These men were merely giving what they thought: how to make friends, influence people, think positively, be self-reliant, and think of yourself as a wonderful individual, not as a sinner. This was their message: "Everything is all right in Jerusalem."

Woe (18; 34:2; Jer23:1; Mt23:13-29; Lu11:42-47,52; 1Co9:16) Click here for all 102 "woes" in Scripture. It is interesting to note that woe is used occasionally as a funeral lament. More often as in the present use "woe" was used to as an announcement of doom (41x it is used this way and only by the prophets). These wicked false prophets were under the judgment of God and faced a time of ruin and mourning. The only thing left for an unrepentant prophet and people was to mourn the destruction of their lives.

 to the foolish prophets (Pr15:2,14; La2:14; Ho9:7; Zec11:15; Mt23:16-26; Lu11:40; 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti3:9) "Foolish" (nabal) does not mean they are stupid but that they are insensitive to God and His moral standards. In the original Hebrew there appears to be a play on words (nabal for foolish and nabiy for prophets) which means something like “profitless prophets.” Their folly is primarily a moral rather than an intellectual deficiency. In Proverbs, for example, wisdom is set forth as the “fear of the Lord,” and folly as disregard for Him and His precepts. The word nabal was used to describe people who blasphemed (Ps 74:18), who were arrogant (1 Sam 25:25), who were atheistic (Ps 14:1), and who lacked self-discipline and humility. In the next phrase Ezekiel described the basic cause of their foolishness as their reliance on their own hearts and failure to seek God's revelation.

who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing.  The force moving these prophets was their own spirit and not the Spirit of the Lord. As John MacArthur states "Spurious spokesmen prophesy subjectively out of their minds while claiming to have revelation and authority from the Lord."

Denis Lane (The Cloud and the Silver Lining, pp. 53–62) aptly characterizes the false prophet's message as one which "never rose higher than the preachers’ own minds. It deceptively claimed to be God’s word. It had no practical or useful effect. It offered cheap grace and a false peace. It simply endorsed the latest world view."

like foxes among ruins (Song2:15; Mic2:11; 3:5; Mt7:15; Ro16:18; 2Co11:13-15; Ga2:4; Ep4:14; 2Th2:9,10; 1Ti4:1,2; Titus1:10-12; Rev13:11-14; 19:20) Some interpret the Hebrew word as "jackals" but the picture conveyed is similar of mischievous, deceptive, destructive carnivores who forage on ruins

MacDonald comments that these "False religious leaders, like foxes in the deserts, are always looking for prey in the midst of destruction, filling their own needs and desires." Just as foxes consider ruins to be a perfectly acceptable ”home,“ so also the false prophets were able to flourish in a crumbling society, roaming amid the rubble of ruined city walls.

The false prophets "were like foxes among the ruins because they scavenged for themselves while causing, ignoring, and profiting from the human wreckage surrounding them. They were racketeers instead of reformers." (The Nelson study Bible : Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers)

Adam Clarke paraphrases this verse as "Far from opposing sinners, who are bringing down the wrath of God upon the place, you prevent their repentance by your flattering promises and false predictions. Ye have neither by prayers, example, nor advice, contributed any thing for the preservation of the place, or the salvation of the people’s souls."

The psalmist records Moses' example of standing in the "breach" at a time the Lord had determined "that He would destroy them (referring to Israel for her sin of idolatry -  golden calf), had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, to turn away His wrath from destroying them." (Ps106:23) How did Moses stand in the breach? He interceded for them (Ex32:10-14), something the false prophets clearly did not do.

God later declares "I searched for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one."  (Ezek 22:30) The Lord sought in vain for a man in a position of authority and with the moral qualities to stem the tide of ruin and turn the fortunes of the people, but there was none to be found (Jeremiah had the qualities but was not accepted as the authority by the Jews in Judah). This is a tragic testimony by the Lord Himself! Will He say the same some day for America?

The application is clear for all NT believers living in a society in which moral standards are under attack by hostile, God hating secularists. As those who "sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed" (Ezek9:4), we are called to stand in the gap like Moses and to intercede for our society, that perchance God might stay His hand of judgment. Similarly, we are called to stand in the gap and intercede for the true church and those who lead her. What are you doing to stand in the gap? Although it is difficult to understand and even more difficult to explain, remember that "God's intervention is often the result of our intercession." To influence others for God, intercede with God for others.  (Click here, here or here for illustration on intercession from Our Daily Bread) Remember that the most powerful position on earth is kneeling before the Lord of the universe. Although the context is different, the principle applies that "those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins... will raise up the age-old foundations and ... will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell." (Isa58:12)

In context the "breaches" in the wall refer to Israel's sin against God, something the false prophets did not seek to "repair". Jeremiah writes to Israel that the false prophets "have seen for you false and foolish visions; and they have not exposed your iniquity so as to restore you from captivity (thus this accusation is addressed especially to the false prophets in captivity), but they have seen for you false and misleading oracles."  (Lam2:14) If the false prophets of Jerusalem had, in fact, rebuked the sins of the people, and if the people had repented, God would have relented of the threat of judgment of the exile. The verse serves as a solemn reminder of the responsibility of "watchmen on the wall" to warn and their accountability if they kept silent or even more deceptively proclaimed a false hope as did the false prophets. 

Dearly beloved watchman, remember that as a NT believer, you are in a sense a "prophet" (literally one who speaks forth) in that you have God's Holy Word and can speak forth His Word as needed to expose sin. If you see sin in the camp of your church and remain silent, not only are you culpable, but the results will be devastating. As Matthew Henry comments "Prophets should tell people of their faults, should show them their sins, that they may bring them to repentance, and so prevent their ruin; but these prophets (those Jeremiah and Ezekiel were addressing) knew that would lose them the people’s affections and contributions, and knew they could not reprove their hearers without reproaching themselves at the same time...."

nor did you build the wall (hedge) around the house of Israel to stand in the battle (Job40:9; Ps76:7; Is27:4; Ep6:13,14; Rev16:14; 20:8,9)  The false prophets did nothing to shore up the spiritual defenses the captives so desperately needed in the face of judgment.

John Calvin adds that those "teachers who discharge their duties honestly and sincerely are like builders, who, if they see a breach in a wall, instantly and carefully repair it: they are like gardeners who do not allow either a field or a vineyard to be exposed to wild beasts."

"Day of the LORD" (Click here for more discussion of this great and terrible "day") (Ezek30:3; Is2:12; 13:6,9; 34:8; Joel 1:15; 2:1,31; 3:14; Am5:18-20; Zeph1:14-18; 2:2,3; Mal4:5; 1Th5:2; 2Pe3:10; Rev6:17) (Click here for all Scripture occurrences of the "day of the LORD") The meaning of this time phrase is dependent on the context. Clearly, in Ezekiel's prophecy some 5 or so years prior to the fall of Jerusalem, the "day of the LORD" refers to the third and final assault of Babylon on Judah with destruction of the Holy Temple and exile of the inhabitants.

This phrase occurs some 22 times in the OT (click here and note Isa58:13 although in this list refers to a different context) and 4 times in the NT (Ac2:20; 1Th5:2; 2Th2:2; 2Pe3:10) and is a Biblical term referring to a time of God’s extreme anger or wrath. The "day of the LORD" can refer to a near future judgment (Eze13:5; 30:3) or a far future judgment (Zec14:1; 2Th2:2). Two "day of the LORD" expressions yet remain to be fulfilled, one at the end of Daniel’s 70th week (see Joel3:14; Mal4:5; 1Th5:2) and the other at the end of the Millennium (see 2Pe3:10).

Divination (qesem) is the the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers, signs or omens using one of  several modes of divination including the position of the stars, speaking with dead spirits, examining animal parts (especially liver) or potsherds or casting lots for a yes or no answer. And as with all other manifestations of the occult, this practice was outlawed in Israel and spoken of with scorn. Moses writes that "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer...For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so." (Dt 18:10,14)

Nebuchadnezzar employs this very method as he prepares to destroy Jerusalem, Ezekiel recording that "the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination; he shakes the arrows, he consults the household idols, he looks at the liver. Into his right hand came the divination, ‘Jerusalem,’ to set battering rams, to open the mouth for slaughter, to lift up the voice with a battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build a siege wall. And it will be to them like a false divination in their eyes; they have sworn solemn oaths. But he brings iniquity to remembrance, that they may be seized." (Ezek 21:21-23)

The LORD declares,' when the LORD has not sent them; These false prophets deceitfully prefaced their falsehood and lying divination with the classic prophetic formula suggesting divine authority -- "The LORD declares." Despite their sincerity and their comforting message these deceiving prophets were wrong, the next phrase showing that they themselves were thoroughly deceived. Note that it is not enough for a "prophet" or NT teacher to be sincere. They may be very sincere and yet be sincerely wrong. Sincerity is not synonymous with legitimacy. They may claim to represent God but here God did not "claim" them!

"I  am against you" declares the Lord GOD. (Ezek5:8; 21:3; 26:3; 28:22; 29:3,4,10; 35:3; 38:3,4; 39:1; Jer50:31,32; Jer51:25; Nahum 2:13; 3:5,6; 1 Ti4:1,8; ) (Click here for 9x God says "I am against you" in Ezekiel) God's verdict was simple and clear: "I am against you"

They will have no place in the council of My people, (Ex32:32,33; Ezr2:59,62,63; Neh7:62,64; Ps69:5,28; 87:6; Is4:3; Da12:1; Ho 9:3; Luke 10:20; Php4:3; Heb12:23; Rev13:8; 20:12,15) The false prophets would lose their influence (council). The false prophets had enjoyed favor among Israel’s leaders. They were in positions of influence both in Jerusalem and in the exile; but after their prophecies were proved false, they would lose this favor.

nor will they be written down in the register of the house of Israel, (20:38) The false prophets would lose their citizenship (register), in essence being "cut off" from Israel. Their names would not be recorded in the city’s list of citizens. These false prophets would be excommunicated from the fellowship of Israel. In Ezra a we read concerning those who had returned from Babylonian captivity that one group descended from the priestly line "searched among their ancestral registration, but they could not be located; therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood." (Ezra2:62) In contrast to this near future fulfillment of this prophetic judgment, is a far future fulfillment of these men and of all whose names are "not found written in the book of life" and who therefore will be "thrown into the lake of fire." (Rev20:15)

nor will they enter the land of Israel,   (11:10,12; 12:20; 1Ki22:24,25; Je23:20) False prophets would lose their lose their right to return to their homeland after the 70 year period of exile. The near future fulfillment is that they would die as captives in a foreign land. This verse however speaks of a far future fulfillment in which they will not be resurrected with other Old Testament saints at the beginning of the millennial reign of Messiah in the land of Israel (cf Da12:1-2) Daniel a true prophet of God for example is instructed "go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again (resurrection) for your allotted portion at the end of the age.” (cf Da12:13)

that you may know that I am the Lord GOD  The purpose of God's judgment was to stimulate the false prophets to repent and turn to the Lord and know that He was the only true God. The implication is that they even these wicked men still had an opportunity to repent and come to the Messiah and eternal salvation.

by saying, `Peace!' when there is no peace.  (16; Is57:21; Jer4:10; 6:14; 8:11,15; 14:13; 23:17; 28:9; Mal3:15) The false prophets in exile offered the captives a false hope just as did the false prophets in Jerusalem, Jeremiah recording the words of  "the Lord of hosts" who says “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are leading you into futility. They speak a vision of their own imagination, not from the mouth of the Lord. They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The Lord has said, “You will have peace”‘; and as for everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, they say, ’Calamity will not come upon you.’ But who has stood in the council of the Lord, that he should see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and listened? Behold, the storm of the Lord has gone forth in wrath, even a whirling tempest. It will swirl down on the head of the wicked. The anger of the Lord will not turn back until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart. In the last days you will clearly understand it."  (Jer 23:16–20) Earlier Jeremiah records God's lament that "they have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace." (Jer6:14) The false prophets of Judah were assuring the people that they were safe in their sins, only "slightly" rebuking them, just as do many modern religious leaders. There may be outward freedom from calamity for a time, but there can be no real peace among men until there is true peace between men and God (cf Ro5:1ff) Of course, this was a popular message, and the disillusioned Babylonian exiles and frightened Jews in Jerusalem grabbed it and held on to it. But the false prophets hadn’t heard that message in God’s council but had made it up out of their own hearts. Instead of peace, a storm was brewing from the Lord. God was about to vent His holy anger on His sinful people, and when they finally understood His purposes, it would be too late to stop the whirlwind. MacDonald adds that "The false message of the prophets has brought a slight (qalal, Heb., “trifle,” “scant”) healing to the people. Yet this is temporary and superficial. False religion and theological liberalism are always ready to accuse those who are faithful to God’s word of pessimism. But far worse is the crime against humanity perpetrated by those perpetual optimists who, in their ignorance of the mind and nature of God, announce peace and hope, bringing false hope of a temporary and unreal nature to the people when, in fact, there is no peace."

God is very direct in Isaiah declaring "There is no peace for the wicked." (Isa57:21)

And when anyone builds a wall, behold, they plaster it over with whitewash; (22:28; 2Ch18:12; Is30:10; Je5:31; Mic2:11) Wycliffe "and he (the people) is building a party-wall (wall of stones loosely piled together without mortar), and behold them (the prophets) daubing it with marly clay plaster, or whitewash."

John MacArthur adds that these "False prophets had lulled the people into false security. Phony “peace” promises, while sin continued on the brink of God’s judgment, was a way, so to speak, of erecting a defective “wall” and whitewashing it to make it look good. Such an unsafe “wall” was doomed to collapse (v11) when God would bring His storm, picturing the invaders’ assault (v11)."

Expositor's Bible Commentary takes a different view of this section (vv11-15) commenting that "The judgment of the prophets was described in terms of their participation in "whitewashing". The prophets had implemented their proclamations of peace through helping the people remodel their homes and decorate them in this time of false security. Some  expositors (Ed note: the majority) look on the "walls" in this passage as symbolic, referring to the outer deception of the prophets. The "flimsy wall" may be seen as a metaphor for the prophets' flimsy prophecies of "peace," whitewashed over to make them look strong and substantial. This, however, would equate the two clauses in v.10 that lead to the conclusion of v.11. Moreover, a non-literal interpretation is not required. If the prophets were declaring a time of peace and prosperity, it was not out of line for them to encourage home building. Consequently they had gone around plastering walls and helping people decorate the thin partitions of their homes. It was the confirmation of a "settle down and live" philosophy. However, God declared that these walls and their decorative plaster would fall beneath the raging rains of his anger and the hail and violent wind of his wrath. When the walls would be destroyed, so also would the prophets be consumed in the destruction. No one would be concerned about house decorations then. God would establish another new proverb: "The wall is gone and so are those who whitewashed it"

The Bible Knowledge Commentary takes the symbolic approach commenting that "Instead of calling Israel’s attention to the serious cracks (breaches) in its moral foundation, these prophets were ”dabbing plaster“ to hide the deficiencies. A white paste, formed from the chalk deposits in Israel, was used to plaster over the rocks that formed the walls of most houses. This plaster hid uneven rocks under a smooth surface. The prophets were compounding Israel’s difficulties by hiding problems that needed to be exposed...The ”whitewash“ was their false prophecies; and when Jerusalem was destroyed, this would be revealed."

Adam Clarke adds that a "A true prophet is as a wall of defense to the people. These false prophets pretend to be a wall of defense; but their wall is bad, and their mortar is worse. One gives a lying vision, another pledges himself that it is true; and the people believe what they say, and trust not in God, nor turn from their sins."

The IVP Bible background commentary : Old Testament add that "Ezekiel uses an analogy similar to that in Jeremiah 6:14 and 8:11. In both prophets reality is covered up and people delude themselves into believing that a wound is not serious or a wall is sturdy. It reflects the tendency to hide structural problems with cosmetic solutions. Mesopotamian law codes also deal with unscrupulous builders and homeowners w