Ensnared by Lies / Ezekiel 13:17–23
📖 Scripture
17 “Now, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them
18 and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own?
19 You have profaned me among my people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live.
20 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds.
21 I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
22 Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives,
23 therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
📝 Scripture Summary
The Lord tells Ezekiel to speak against the women who prophesy from their own imagination and deceive the people. They make magic charms and veils, ensnaring people for profit. The Lord condemns their lies and promises to tear off their veils and save His people from their hands so that they will know that He is the Lord.
💡 Memory Verse
“Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!’”
– Ezekiel 14:6
🔎 Reflection
Seeking Security in the Wrong Power (13:17–19)
A group of women make their living by impressing others with the charms on their wrists and the false prophecies that come from their imagination. In exchange for food, these women offer words that appear to have magical powers, but they are actually telling lies that ensnare the people and profane God. When we feel unsure about our lives, it can be tempting to find security in a person who appears to have greater power or authority. However, we should be wary of anyone who claims to offer us validation, power, or safety. Ultimately, only God can provide the knowledge, assurance, and security we seek. When we remain close to Him, we experience more of His perfect love, wisdom, and peace.
How do you respond when you feel insecure or unsure about your life? Ponder why you respond this way and how it reflects the level of your confidence in God.
Saved from Snares (13:20–23)
The false visions and prophecies ensnare the people like captured birds. The righteous become disheartened by the lies, and the wicked are encouraged to continue in their evil ways. In response, God promises redemption. He will set the people free, allowing them to discern the truth. They will no longer fall prey to lies from anyone because they will recognize the power of the Lord. We can be encouraged that, even when God’s people falter at times by searching for strength and security in something other than Him, God is faithful. He continues to deliver and redeem, saving us when we are ensnared by lies and reminding us of how great and powerful He truly is.
What lies have ensnared you in the past? Praise God that He has been faithful to offer you His continual security, strength, and truth.
🙏 Prayer
Dear God, thank you that, when I feel unsure about life, You are faithful to offer security and strength. May I no longer fall prey to lies but recognize the truth and remain grounded in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
🖋️ Essay
A New Habit
In the past, when I felt insecure or unsure about life, I would just sit and overthink everything in my head. I thought that I could solve my problems by myself. I would attempt to exert a sense of control as I tried to think through every possible permutation and how I would respond to any issue that arose. Sometimes, this process would allay my nervousness, but often my mind would become muddled instead of becoming clearer as I replayed my fears and thought through worst-case scenarios.
During the pandemic a few years ago, when fear and anxiety was at its peak in many communities, I began a new habit: running. Going outside and running became a daily morning ritual that helped reset my mind and body. I would enjoy the morning sunshine, and I would let out any anxious energy at the start of the day. I would also pray as I ran, remembering to have a grateful heart for all that I had. I would focus on God and His goodness rather than any worries or concerns. I would thank God for His creation, provision, and the wonderful friends and family I had. I would also confess any fears or nervousness I harbored, giving my concerns over to Him in the morning, which fostered a lightness and freedom in me for the rest of the day. Going outside to experience God’s beauty and grace reminded me that His mercies are, indeed, new every morning.
Written by Ahreum Kim
💬 Today’s Inspiration
“Our limitations invite us to go to the One who is and who can.” – Katie Faris
