There were, it should seem, in Ezekiel's days, women also that prophesied, and those prophesied falsely. We read of one Anna, a prophetess in the Church, just at the birth of Christ; and the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost, we know, was both on sons and daughters. Luke 2:36; Joel 2:28. But the women here spoken of are expressly declared to be lying prophets, and such as prophesied for gain. The pillows for arm holes, and kerchiefs for covering, are figurative: it is to be supposed intimating, the false security they held forth to quiet the alarms of a guilty conscience. But, Reader, do not fail to remark the sweet assurance given by the Holy Ghost to the people of God, to preserve them from such preachings. I will deliver my people out of your hands. So that the Lord undertakes to preserve his people from their delusions. And while a woe is pronounced against false prophets, the Lord's Israel are assured, that the Lord will reveal himself to his people otherwise than he doeth to the world, and they shall know; saith Jehovah, that I am the Lord.
Ezekiel 13:17-23
17 Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,
18 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes,e and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?
19 And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?
20 Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly,f and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.
21 Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
22 Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:
23 Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.