Ezekiel 22:25

Prophets. The LXX reads “princes.” A change of one letter in the Hebrew accounts for the difference. The false prophets had already been indicted in ch. 13. Their work proved to be a continual hindrance to the work of the true prophets. It is no wonder that the people were confused and that they found plausible excuse for not obeying the divine directions in the light of such contradictory assertions.

The same confusion exists in the religious world today. Because the Christian world is hopelessly divided and pious men may be found in the various communions, many conclude that, after all, it makes little difference what they believe.

The only sure antidote against the influence of false prophets in our day is to know by personal investigation what is truth. It is not safe to depend upon the research, the opinions, or the wisdom of any man (CW 45; 5T 686; GC 593, 594).

Because false prophets were to be particularly prevalent in the last days, Jesus repeatedly warned against their subtle devices (see Matt. 24:4, 5, 11, 24). He mentions that “if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matt. 24:24). He speaks, too, of their resort to “great signs and wonders,” a device almost wholly lacking in Ezekiel’s day. As the great day of God draws near, Satan will intensify his efforts to deceive. More and more, as heavenly angels release their restraint, he will take control of the world. Under the guise of religion, and by means of miracles, he will fasten his grip on the inhabitants of this world. “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). Hence, we need a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures to distinguish between the counterfeit and the true (GC 593, 594).