Ezekiel 13:5
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
What Does This Mean?
This verse criticizes false prophets for not protecting the people of Israel. It says they didn't help the people prepare for the difficult times that were coming. The speaker is God, through the prophet Ezekiel, emphasizing the failure of these prophets to support their community.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game of catch, and your friends keep throwing the ball to you but don't help you catch it. This verse is like saying those friends didn't help you when you really needed it, just like these false prophets didn't help their community when they needed protection.
Historical Background
Ezekiel wrote this verse around 593-571 BCE, during the Babylonian exile. He was addressing the false prophets in Jerusalem who were misleading the people with false prophecies of peace. The Babylonians were attacking, and these prophets did not warn the people or help them prepare.
Living It Out Today
In a modern context, this verse can apply to situations where community leaders or influencers fail to stand up for their community's needs and instead make things worse by misleading them. For example, a school counselor who doesn't help students deal with bullying but instead tells them it's normal and not to worry.