Because of false prophets, even the very land was cursed. Due to their corruption the land lay parched. They were adulterers and used their power unjustly. It was as Jesus told them-instead of bringing people to God, they ended up driving them away by their abuse. They prophesied in the name of Baal. They couldn't control their wickedness, even in the temple! They were like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Therefore, the Lord would punish those prophets and priests who claimed to speak for God, but were speaking their own visions, dreams and messages. They would claim, "The Lord declares," when actually they were just speaking their own words. They were stealing the words of the Lord (30).

The words of men and women are powerless and give only false hope. The word of the Lord has the power to turn people from their evil ways. The word of the Lord is like fire and a hammer that breaks rocks into pieces. Similarly, it can break through our hardened hearts.


Application: Father, thank you for your word that gives life. Father, it is your word which gives life. Please raise up men and women who correctly handle the word of truth. Help us to hear your word and obey it.
One Word: Live by God's word, not man's