Ezekiel 13:17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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,

Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people - put on a bold countenance, fearlessly to denounce them (Ezekiel 3:8-9; Isaiah 50:7).

The daughters of thy people - the false prophetesses; alluded to only here; elsewhere the guilt specified in the women is the active share they took in maintaining idolatry (Ezekiel 8:14). It was only in extraordinary emergencies that God bestowed prophecy on women-e.g., on Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, whom Josiah consulted (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4; 2 Kings 22:14); so in the last days to come (Joel 2:28, "Afterward ... I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy:" an earnest of which is given in Philip's four daughters prophesying, Acts 21:8-9). The rareness of such instances enhanced their guilt in pretending inspiration.

Ezekiel 13:17

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,