The "pillows" and "kerchiefs" weren't just decorative, but likely symbolic items used in ritualistic ways to lull people into a false sense of security, making them easier prey for deception. These women weren't just predicting the future; they were actively ensnaring souls through these elaborate, deceptive practices designed to make people feel safe while leading them to ruin.
and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists, and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature, in the hunt for souls! Will you hunt down souls belonging to my people and keep your own souls alive?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel is directly confronting false prophetesses within Judah who are misleading the people with their deceptive pronouncements. These women, using seemingly comforting charms and head coverings, lure people into a false sense of security. The prophet is exposing their manipulative tactics, revealing that their supposed spiritual guidance is actually a deadly trap designed to ensnare God's people.
Have you ever received advice that felt good at the time, only to lead to trouble later? Ezekiel confronts women who offered a dangerous kind of comfort.
The Illusion of Security
The women in Ezekiel's prophecy offered false security through outward symbols. They sewed "pillows to all armholes" and made "kerchiefs for the heads." These weren't just decorative items; they were potent symbols of a false peace.
This outward show created an illusion. Instead of facing God's warnings and seeking repentance, people were lulled into complacency, believing they were safe when they were actually heading for disaster. It's a stark reminder that true spiritual security comes from obedience and truth, not from comforting lies.
What's the real motive behind offering advice or guidance? Ezekiel exposes the greedy, soul-destroying agenda of these false prophetesses.
The Price of Deception
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The core purpose of these women's actions was not to help but to "hunt souls." This wasn't about genuine spiritual care; it was a predatory business.
Understand the original words
hoy · Hebrew Interjection
A declaration of judgment, sorrow, or impending calamity upon those who persist in rebellion against God’s moral order.
kesathoth · Hebrew Noun
Objects or amulets used in occultic practices to exercise power or control. Biblically, they represent idolatrous attempts to manipulate reality outside of God's sovereign control.
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The non-material part of a human being that is the seat of consciousness, desires, and emotions. God is the owner and sustainer of the soul; to 'hunt' souls is to act as a false shepherd leading them to spiritual ruin.
These women were not just peddling simple charms; they were actively deceiving God's people during a time of intense crisis and impending doom, offering false hope and security when judgment was imminent.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many and scattering the remaining population. This event serves as a stark warning of what awaits the southern kingdom of Judah.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire defeat the Egyptians and Assyrians at Carchemish. Jerusalem submits, and members of the royal family and elite, including the prophet Daniel, are taken to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon revolts against Assyrian rule and Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem. King Jehoiachin and thousands more Judeans are exiled to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel.
c. 590 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry Begins in Babylon
Ezekiel, in exile among the Judeans by the Chebar canal, begins his prophetic ministry. He pronounces judgment against Jerusalem and its false prophets.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of Temple
After a prolonged siege, Babylonian forces breach Jerusalem's walls, destroy the Temple, and deport the majority of the remaining population. This is the catastrophic culmination of the prophecies of doom.
This passage, like Ezekiel, condemns prophets who falsely claim 'peace, peace' when there is no peace, mirroring Ezekiel's condemnation of women who offer false security through their magical practices.
Micah 3:5Micah denounces prophets who 'preach peace' to those who pay them, echoing Ezekiel's charge against the women who deceptively 'hunt souls' for personal gain.
1 Samuel 15:23The verse compares stubborn rebellion to witchcraft and idolatry, highlighting the spiritual perversion and danger inherent in the practices Ezekiel condemns, where people turn to illicit means instead of God.
Acts 19:19This New Testament account shows people in Ephesus burning their magical books, demonstrating a societal repentance from practices similar to those Ezekiel rebukes, where sorcery and false prophecy were abandoned for the truth.
calvinEzekiel 13:17-18: "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,"
And say, Thus saith, the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?
Et dices, sic dicit Dominator Iehovah, Vae consuentibus pulvillos super omnes cub…
ellicottEzekiel 13:18: "And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?"
(18) Souls. —This word is used in the Old Testament in a variety of significations. Here and in the following verses it is nearly equivalent to persons.
The "pillows" and "kerchiefs" weren't just decorative, but likely symbolic items used in ritualistic ways to lull people into a false sense of security, making them easier prey for deception. These women weren't just predicting the future; they were actively ensnaring souls through these elaborate, deceptive practices designed to make people feel safe while leading them to ruin.
Ezekiel is directly confronting false prophetesses within Judah who are misleading the people with their deceptive pronouncements. These women, using seemingly comforting charms and head coverings, lure people into a false sense of security. The prophet is exposing their manipulative tactics, revealing that their supposed spiritual guidance is actually a deadly trap designed to ensnare God's people.
Ezekiel is directly confronting false prophetesses within Judah who are misleading the people with their deceptive pronouncements. These women, using seemingly comforting charms and head coverings, lure people into a false sense of security. The prophet is exposing their manipulative tactics, revealing that their supposed spiritual guidance is actually a deadly trap designed to ensnare God's people.
"and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists, and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature, in the hunt for souls! Will you hunt down souls belonging to my people and keep your own souls…" — The "pillows" and "kerchiefs" weren't just decorative, but likely symbolic items used in ritualistic ways to lull people into a false sense of security, making them easier prey for deception. These w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
