Ezekiel 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?

Ezekiel 13:18 (KJV)

Context

In Ezekiel 13, the prophet delivers God’s message against false prophets and prophetesses in Israel. These women prophesied out of their own imaginations, claiming divine authority while promoting their own deceptive ideas. The verse specifically addresses women who used occult practices to exploit God’s people.

The “pillows” (or “bands“) sewn to armholes and the “kerchiefs” (or “veils“) made for heads of every stature were likely magical items used in divination. They offered false comfort and a false sense of security, leading people away from the truth.

Meaning

The phrase “to hunt souls” describes their deceptive practices aimed at capturing and controlling people’s lives, emotions, and decisions. These women preyed on the trust of God’s people, ensnaring them in spiritual deception. The rhetorical question, “Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?” exposes the contradiction: they claimed to save souls, but in reality they were harming and entrapping them.

The Hebrew word translated “pillows” can mean “cushions” or “bands,” and the phrase “to all armholes” is better understood as “upon all elbows” or “upon all wrists.” These items were used to entrap and lead people astray, capturing them in spiritual deception. The women were seeking their own profit and self-preservation rather than the welfare of those they claimed to help.

God pronounces “woe“—divine judgment—on those who lead His people astray. This shows how seriously God regards the deception of His people and the value He places on their souls. They are not to be preyed upon.

Biblical connections

The immediate context in Ezekiel 13:17 shows God addressing the daughters of Israel who prophesy out of their own imagination. The chapter as a whole condemns those who speak false visions and give false assurances of peace.

Application

This verse is a call to discernment. Believers are urged to test the spirits and hold fast to the truth of God’s word, rather than being led astray by those who distort it for personal gain. It warns against any form of spiritual deception that offers false comfort or security.

Reflection

God is the protector of His people and will judge those who exploit them spiritually. This passage encourages vigilance and steadfastness in the true teachings of God, trusting that He sees and defends His own.