Ezekiel 13:17-23

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_13:17-23.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 13:17–23"
+date = "2023-04-03"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel13.17-23)
+
+Most of the time when we think about prophets, whether true or false ones, we
+probably think of men. However, some of the false teachers in Ezekiel's day
+were women, and they are called out specifically for their forbidden practices.
+To be clear, being a prophetess wasn't forbidden, but practicing magic and
+selling amulets and veils as some kind of spiritual protection certainly was.
+
+Ever since they were given the Law by Moses, Israel has been forbidden from
+doing any kind of magic, sorcery, or divination other than explicitly asking
+the Lord what they should do. The ideas behind these restrictions convey a
+requirement to rely upon God alone for protection and blessing, not any other
+powers that may or may not be around. We understand now that any power that
+appears to be leveraged by such things are actually demonic forces deceiving
+people into thinking they have control over matters they do not understand.
+Satan will gladly give someone an experience if it will keep them from the
+truth, whether it is a magic spell, a vision of light, or a false exercism. In
+contrast, only the Lord YHWH is sovereign and in full authority and control
+over everything that is.
+
+These women had been making magic wristbands and veils in order to "hunt for
+souls". (_v. 18_) I admit that I don't really know what that might mean, though
+in some way it appears they were trying to cause some people to die and others
+to live, but everything they were doing was a lie and a sham. In this way they
+were encouraging the wicked and discouraging the righteous, so the Lord
+declares that He will come through and tear down all their lies and reverse
+their decisions. Then the people will be free of their predation because they
+will not have false visions any longer nor will these women be able to practice
+any of their magic arts. They will know that the sovereign, mighty Lord has
+said this when it happens.
+
+* * *
+
+You are mighty to save, have promised to protect and shield us from anyone who
+would try to take us from You, so we do not need to fear any spiritual power.

justfile

@@ -9,4 +9,4 @@ create book chapter v1 v2:
     passage='{{book}}_{{chapter}}:{{v1}}-{{v2}}'
     cd content/bible_journal
     sed -e '/\$/{s/\$1/{{chapter}}/; s/\$2/{{v1}}/; s/\$3/{{v2}}/;}' -e "3s/{}/$(date +%Y-%m-%d)/" _template.txt > "${passage}.md"
-    vi "${passage}.md"
+    vi + "${passage}.md"