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"I will stretch out My hand against him"

Text: Ezekiel 14:9

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORK

The word “inducement” may sound odd or strange. How can God “induce” the false prophet to proclaim that which is erroneous?

“And if the prophet is induced to speak anything,
I the Lord have induced that prophet,
and I will stretch out My hand against him
and destroy him from among My people Israel.”
Ezekiel 14:9

1. The word “induce”.

a) The word in itself has two broad meanings:

i) To lead or persuade a person to do something.

ii) To bring about what has been intended.

b) Did God cause the prophets to be false?
No!

c) Did God bring about the personal intentions of the false prophet to proclaim that which is wicked?
Yes!

2. The false prophet.

a) He intends to deceive.

b) He plans to give false prophecy.

c) This was not attempted in ignorance.

d) This was thought through and planned.

e) God’s part:

i) He will not stop the false prophet.

ii) He will allow the false prophet to proclaim false teachings.

3. Punishment of the false prophet.

a) God will stretch out His hand against the false prophet.

b) The Lord will destroy him among His people, Israel.

c) Israel would then learn the needed lessons:

i) To discern truth from error.

ii) To guard against false teachings.

iii) To take a firm stance against false prophets (Deuteronomy 13).