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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 13 - Verse 18

13:18
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, 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?

Meaning

The verse you are referencing is a warning from the prophet Ezekiel about the practices of certain women in the community who were engaging in deceptive and manipulative behavior. These women were sewing pillows and making kerchiefs in order to lure people to them and manipulate them into following their false teachings. The pillows and kerchiefs were likely being used in some sort of ritualistic or spiritual manner to deceive and ensnare individuals. By using these items, they were preying on the vulnerable and seeking to control and exploit them for their own gain.

God through Ezekiel is condemning these actions and questioning the intentions of these women. He is asking if they truly care about the souls of His people, or if they are only interested in their own selfish desires. The verse serves as a reminder to be wary of false prophets and deceitful individuals who may try to lead people astray. It encourages believers to stay vigilant and discerning, not falling victim to those who seek to manipulate and harm them spiritually.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it condemns the practice of false prophets who use deceptive means to ensnare people. The image of women sewing pillows and making kerchiefs to hunt souls symbolizes the manipulation and deceit employed by these individuals to lead people astray. The use of luxurious items like pillows and kerchiefs suggests a sense of false comfort and security that these false prophets offer to deceive unsuspecting individuals. By preying on the vulnerable and gullible, these false prophets are accused of endangering the souls of God's people. The verse serves as a warning against falling for the traps set by those who claim to offer salvation but in reality, lead people away from God. It highlights the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones and staying steadfast in one's faith despite the allure of false promises.

American Standard Version

and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of [persons of] every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves?
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