Definition: Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 13:17. It's a really important and slightly unsettling verse in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that Ezekiel is criticizing people who prophesy (speak about the future) – specifically those who are speaking from their own feelings, rather than from a deep understanding of God's will. He’s saying he finds these people to be disobedient and misleading. Let's unpack it word by word: “Ezekiel 13:17” : This refers to a specific event in Ezekiel’s vision – a dramatic scene where Ezekiel sees the “Son of Man” (which is a symbolic name for Jesus) confronting the women who were prophesying. “Likewise, thou son of man…” - This is a formal introduction, like saying "This applies to you." It's emphasizing that this is a direct message from God to Ezekiel. “…set thy face against…” : This means to turn your back on something – to actively reject or oppose it. It’s about making a conscious choice not to listen to or obey these people. “…the daughters of thy people…” - This is key! “Daughters” refers to women who prophesy. So, Ezekiel is saying he's criticizing those women specifically. “…which prophesy out of their own heart…” – This is the core of the warning. It means these women are speaking without understanding God’s truth or being guided by Him. They’re speaking based on their own thoughts, feelings, and desires, not on a genuine connection to God. “…and prophesy thou against them.” - This is a command – Ezekiel is instructed to speak out against these people who are misleading others with their prophecies. What's the Big Picture? Ezekiel 13:17 suggests that true prophecy should be rooted in God’s will, His guidance, and a deep understanding of His plan for humanity. When people prophesy without this foundation, they can lead others astray and distort God’s truth. It's about honesty and speaking from a place of genuine faith. Why is it important? This verse highlights the importance of: Trusting God: It urges us to rely on God's guidance rather than our own thoughts or feelings when we listen to prophecies. Discernment: It suggests that we need to be discerning and evaluate prophecies critically, looking for a genuine connection to God’s will. In short, Ezekiel is warning against those who speak from their own opinions rather than from a deep understanding of God's truth. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of prophecies that might be considered problematic according to this verse?