A particular group of elders had come to see Ezekiel, hoping or expecting to receive some sort of oracle. However, they did not receive what they expected. They had set up idols in their hearts, ie they had been infected with the ways of the Babylonians, or maybe had carried their idolatry with them from Jerusalem. Outwardly they were still seeking God, but in reality they had turned away from Him. They came expecting to receive some word. However, God saw into their hearts and knew that they were not seeking Him, so He gave them words of judgement.
The false prophet would have given words to please the hearers, but God spoke the truth. This example is a warning about the current practice of people wanting to "receive a word". It is good to want to hear from God, but we need to be very careful about the condition of our heart. Just because someone goes to church, or goes to Christian meetings of various sorts does not necessarily mean they are seeking God.
The purpose of the Lord is to bring the people to repentance, for them to turn away from idols and bad practices.
This was applied specifically to these elders, but then God says it will be applied to all the people. The judgement applies not just to the people who have idols in their hearts, but also to the prophets who answer them. The false prophet is guilty as well.
All of us are responsible for our own actions, regardless of the circumstances.
The false prophet would have given words to please the hearers, but God spoke the truth. This example is a warning about the current practice of people wanting to "receive a word". It is good to want to hear from God, but we need to be very careful about the condition of our heart. Just because someone goes to church, or goes to Christian meetings of various sorts does not necessarily mean they are seeking God.
The purpose of the Lord is to bring the people to repentance, for them to turn away from idols and bad practices.
This was applied specifically to these elders, but then God says it will be applied to all the people. The judgement applies not just to the people who have idols in their hearts, but also to the prophets who answer them. The false prophet is guilty as well.
All of us are responsible for our own actions, regardless of the circumstances.
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