The Deception of False Prophets and the Spirit of Witchcraft By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’”
— Ezekiel 13:2 (NKJV)
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Introduction
Throughout biblical history, God raised prophets to be His mouthpieces — vessels of divine truth, correction, and direction. Yet, whenever genuine prophets emerged, counterfeit ones arose as well. Ezekiel Chapter 13 vividly exposes the darkness of false prophecy and the deceptive operations of witchcraft within spiritual systems.
In this chapter, God commands the prophet Ezekiel to speak judgment against both false male prophets and female sorcerers who were misleading His people. These individuals pretended to represent God but were, in reality, instruments of deception — using divine language to conceal demonic motives.
The message of Ezekiel 13 remains alarmingly relevant today. In an age where spiritual manipulation, commercialized prophecy, and deceptive “visions” have infiltrated many churches, God’s call for truth, holiness, and discernment is urgent. This lesson exposes the strategies of deception and calls the modern believer to stand firm on the Word of God.
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1. The Rise of False Prophets in Israel
“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’”
— Ezekiel 13:2 (NKJV)
They Spoke from Their Own Hearts
False prophets in Israel were not strangers to religion — they were insiders. They were people who used spiritual language and appeared as men of God, yet their prophecies originated not from the Spirit of God but from their own imagination and ambition.
They claimed to hear from God, but in truth, they were echoing their own desires, speaking what people wanted to hear — comfort without repentance, prosperity without obedience, and peace without holiness.
“They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord!’ But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed.”
— Ezekiel 13:6 (NKJV)
These men used the phrase “Thus says the Lord” to validate their personal opinions. They desired influence and recognition more than truth.
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2. The Illusion of False Security
“Because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace—and one builds a wall, and they plaster it with untempered mortar.”
— Ezekiel 13:10 (NKJV)
False prophets built a “wall” — a metaphor for a false sense of protection. They preached messages that made people feel safe in sin, ignoring the approaching judgment of God.
The “whitewashed wall” represents religion without righteousness, faith without repentance, and form without power. When storms of testing come, such a wall collapses because it lacks divine foundation.
This is the tragedy of our generation: many have traded biblical truth for motivational comfort. Churches are filled with flattering words, but few are preparing souls for eternity. God declares that He will “break down the wall” (v.14), exposing every false covering and revealing the emptiness of human-made religion.
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3. The Spirit of Witchcraft Among the People
“Likewise, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own inspiration; and prophesy against them.”
— Ezekiel 13:17 (NKJV)
After confronting the false male prophets, God turns to the women who used witchcraft and occult practices while claiming to speak for Him.
“Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for the heads of people of every height to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people and keep yourselves alive?”
— Ezekiel 13:18 (NKJV)
These “prophetesses” were crafting spiritual devices — charms, veils, and bands — to capture souls through manipulation and fear. They mixed spirituality with sorcery, seeking material gain rather than truth.
In modern times, this spirit is seen in false ministries that use anointed objects, superstitious rituals, or psychological control to bind people. They promise miracles but enslave souls through dependency, fear, and financial exploitation.
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4. The Manipulation of Souls
“You have profaned Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies.”
— Ezekiel 13:19 (NKJV)
The deception of these women went beyond spiritual error — it became soul trafficking. They “hunted souls” for profit, trading spiritual influence for material reward.
This is the same operation we see today in the form of spiritual manipulation, fake deliverances, and monetized prayers. When prophecy becomes a business and deliverance becomes a show, witchcraft is at work behind the veil of religion.
“Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I am against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds.’”
— Ezekiel 13:20 (NKJV)
God promises to deliver His people from the nets of spiritual control and to expose the wickedness of those using His name for manipulation.
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5. God’s Judgment and the Restoration of His People
“I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”
— Ezekiel 13:21 (NKJV)
Whenever deception is exposed, deliverance follows. God’s intention in judgment is always redemptive — He tears down lies to rebuild truth.
In the same way, God is cleansing the modern Church from every form of corruption — exposing false prophets, false healers, and false systems that enslave His people. His goal is to restore purity, truth, and the fear of the Lord among believers.
The true prophetic ministry never draws attention to itself — it points people back to God, back to repentance, and back to holiness.
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6. The Call for Discernment in the Modern Church
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
— 1 John 4:1 (NKJV)
In this digital and prophetic age, discernment is no longer optional — it is essential. Many voices claim divine authority, yet few carry the true Spirit of Christ.
Every believer must:
• Test every prophecy through the Word of God.
• Examine the fruit of every ministry — not the popularity.
• Seek the witness of the Holy Spirit rather than emotional persuasion.
Discernment is the shield of the mature believer. Without it, even the elect can be deceived (Matthew 24:24).
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7. Lessons from Ezekiel 13
1. Prophecy without divine inspiration is deception.
Those who speak from their own imagination mislead the people and invite judgment.
2. Religious appearance without spiritual truth is a collapsing wall.
Only God’s Word is a lasting foundation.
3. Witchcraft can wear the robe of religion.
When manipulation, fear, or control replace truth and love, witchcraft is operating.
4. God always exposes deception to restore His people.
His judgment is not for destruction but purification.
5. Believers must walk in discernment and truth.
Spiritual maturity demands testing every message by Scripture.
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Summary
Ezekiel 13 is a timeless warning. False prophets and spiritual manipulators are not new — they existed in Ezekiel’s day and continue in modern forms. But God has not left His people without protection.
Through His Word and Spirit, He exposes deception and empowers His people to live in truth. The Church must awaken from spiritual naivety and discern between the voice of God and the voice of man.
Truth is not popular, but it is powerful. Every genuine prophetic voice must align with God’s Word, exalt Christ, and produce righteousness in those who hear it.
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Conclusion
The deception of false prophecy and the spirit of witchcraft are among the greatest threats to spiritual purity in our generation. God is calling His people to return to the simplicity of the Gospel — where Christ is central, the Word is supreme, and the Holy Spirit is the only source of revelation.
Let us not be seduced by emotional excitement or charismatic personalities. True prophecy carries the weight of God’s holiness, the fragrance of His love, and the clarity of His truth.
When the wall of deception collapses, only those built upon the Rock of Christ will stand.
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Call to Action
1. Return to the Word.
Read the Bible daily and weigh every prophecy against Scripture.
2. Pray for discernment.
Ask the Holy Spirit to sharpen your spiritual sensitivity.
3. Reject spiritual manipulation.
Refuse to follow anyone who uses fear, money, or control to lead you.
4. Be a voice of truth.
In your generation, stand boldly for righteousness and integrity in ministry.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, no deception can withstand the light of truth. God is purifying His Church and raising a remnant of true prophets — humble, holy, and Spirit-led. Do not lose heart when falsehood abounds; it only proves that truth still matters.
God is your protector. Stay grounded in His Word, filled with His Spirit, and firm in your conviction. When others chase signs, pursue the presence of God. When others seek fame, seek faithfulness.
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
— John 8:32 (NKJV)
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Salvation Prayer
If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, or if you have drifted away from truth, pray sincerely:
Lord Jesus,
I come to You today acknowledging that I have sinned and walked in deception.
Forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
I renounce every falsehood, fear, and bondage of witchcraft.
I receive You as my Lord and Savior.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me into all truth.
From today, I choose to follow You faithfully.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
