Likewise, thou son of man— The prophet is here ordered to direct his discourse against the female pretenders to prophesy, as had been done in the former part of the chapter against the male. There seems no doubt that the expressions in the 18th verse allude to certain magical ceremonies which were made use of in their incantations, by these female pretenders to prophesy: but no commentator has yet been able to ascertain their precise meaning; nor do I think it possible without farther light than the text affords. See 1 Samuel 28:7-8. It is thought by some, that the prophet speaks metaphorically of those, who, by their seducing words, taught men to rest securely in their evil ways, and indulged them in softness and effeminacy. See Houbigant, Calmet, and Pilkington's Remarks, p. 117.
Related Commentaries of Ezekiel 13:17
Ezekiel 13:17-18
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?