Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 13 - Verse 20
Meaning
In this verse, God is speaking out against those who use deceptive methods to manipulate and harm others. The reference to "pillows" may symbolize comfort and security, suggesting that these individuals may appear harmless or even helpful on the surface. However, the true intentions of their actions are to "hunt the souls to make them fly," meaning they are preying on vulnerable individuals in order to control or destroy them. The imagery of tearing the souls from their arms and letting them go signifies that God will intervene and liberate those who have been victimized. This verse serves as a warning against those who seek to harm others for their own gain, assuring that God will ultimately bring justice and deliverance to those who are being exploited.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God condemns the actions of the people who were using pillows, likely in connection with idolatrous practices or false prophecies; these pillows were being used to hunt souls and manipulate them. The word "souls" in this context is taken from the Hebrew word "nephesh" which refers to a person's inner being or life. The act of making souls fly could be an allusion to attempting to control or manipulate people's destinies or futures through deceitful means. By stating that He is against these actions, God is declaring His opposition to any form of manipulation or deceptive practices that harm others. The image of tearing the souls from their arms signifies God's judgment and intervention to release those who have been ensnared by these deceptive practices, allowing them to be free from the false influences that seek to control them. Overall, this verse serves as a warning against deceitful and manipulative practices that go against the will of God and harm His people.