13:1ff This warning was directed against false prophets, whose messages were not from God but were lies intended to win popularity by saying whatever made the people happy. False prophets did not care about the truth as Ezekiel did. They lulled people into a false sense of security, making Ezekiel’s job even more difficult. Beware of people who bend the truth in their quest for popularity and power.
13:2, 3 The false prophets had a large following because they comforted the people and approved of their sinful actions. Lies are often attractive, and liars may have large followings. Today, for example, some spiritual leaders assure us that God promises his followers health and material success. This is comforting, but is it true? God’s own Son did not have an easy life on earth. Make sure the messages you believe are consistent with what God teaches in his Word.
13:10-12 “Untempered mortar” is whitewash. These false prophets covered their lies with a pleasing front. Such superficiality can’t hold up under God’s scrutiny.
13:17 In the Bible, the gift of prophecy was given to women as well as men. Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) were prophetesses. But the women mentioned here are more like the medium of 1 Samuel 28:7, and they are condemned for discouraging the righteous (13:22).
13:18 These magic charms and veils were used in witchcraft practices as good luck charms, but they were used to ensnare the people in idolatry.