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