Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Derfor sier Herren Gud: «Jeg er imot amulettene deres. Dere bruker dem for å jakte på sjeler slik en jakter på fugler. Jeg skal rive dem av armene deres og slippe sjelene fri. Jeg skal avsløre dere slik at Mitt folk ikke lenger skal være som et bytte i deres hånd. Da skal dere kjenne at Jeg er Herren. For med deres løgner tar dere motet fra de som vil leve etter Min vilje, de med rettferdige hjerter. Det er ikke Jeg som har tatt motet fra dem. I stedet gir dere ny styrke til dem som ikke bryr seg om å leve rett, etter Min vilje. Dere skulle ha hjulpet dem til å vende seg om fra sitt onde liv, slik at de hadde kunnet få leve. Derfor er det slutt på den tiden da dere skal drive med spådom og spre tomhet. For Jeg skal befri Mitt folk fra dere. Dere skal kjenne og forstå at Jeg er Herren.»
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, God is speaking directly to those who deceive others, using their influence to manipulate and scare people. He promises to intervene and free those souls from their control.
Explained for Children
Imagine if someone was using their big pillow to scare you and make you run away. God is saying he will take that pillow away and make sure you can be safe and free.
Historical Background
Ezekiel, a prophet in the Old Testament, wrote this verse around 593 BC. He was addressing false prophets in Israel who were misleading the people with their false prophecies and manipulative tactics.
Living It Out Today
Today, think of situations where someone might be using their position or influence to intimidate or control others. We should stand up against such manipulation and support those who are being misled.
The false prophets in Ezekiel's time were those who claimed to speak on behalf of God but were actually misleading the people with their own words, often to maintain their influence and control.
What does 'hunt the souls to make them fly' mean?
This phrase metaphorically refers to the way false prophets scare people with their prophecies, making them feel as if they are being chased and forced to flee, rather than finding peace and truth.
How does God promise to intervene?
God promises to remove the means by which false prophets deceive (the 'pillows'), freeing the souls from their control and allowing them to find true peace and truth.
What can we learn from this verse about our actions?
We learn that we should avoid misleading others and should instead seek to speak truthfully and with integrity, letting others find their own way with God's guidance.