80
Foolish prophets, deceived and being deceived by prophesying out of their own spirit and not having a vision, or a calling from the Lord. Woe, alas be to them. A cry of despair, preceding a calamity Eze. 13:3 The same attitude which was found in Israel pertaining to prophets may be found today in the church. Solomon declared that their visions, their words of prophecy were false and without value. Prophetic utterances which did not expose their sin, consequently there was no incentive for them to repent and to ward off certain captivity. Their proclamations were empty and vain, without the inspiration of the Spirit. Lam. 2:14
The actions of these prophets who were not called nor anointed of the Lord is likened to the foxes of the desert. When their prophecies fail to materialize they retreat to their lairs, their dens in the dry, dry desert refusing to take responsibility for the failure of their prophecy. The foxes are a wily creature and are noted as being those who spoil the vine. When we consider this in the light of the reputation of the little foxes, that is, those who destroy the vine, it takes on great and important meaning. Jesus likened Himself to the trunk of the vine and those who believe in Him are the branches. John 15:5 The dependency of all spiritual life is on Him. He is our source of sustenance. He has made the five fold ministry to be a contact between His church and Himself. Eph. 4:11 The breakdown of any one of these vital ministries to the church will have a profound effect on the body of Christ. Watch out for the foxes but more so for the wolves who come stealthily covered by the skin of a sheep. Mt. 7:15 The motive of such of this ilk is either for their own purpose of feeling important, or to fleece the flock.
Their lack of real concern was evidenced by their attitude when the people and their cities were under the attack of their enemies. They did not take action when a intrusion was made either in the walls of the city or their borders violated. They did not go up into the gaps, they did not take the needed leadership and take their place among the brave and concerned of the people. Their interests were entirely self centered. Eze. 13:5 Their prophetic statements were an abomination to the Lord. He labeled them as being persons whose so called visions were false and their divinations (source of their revelation) were a lie. Supposedly their declarations were from the Lord but He denied ever having called them nor had He in any manner purposed to speak through them. Eze. 13:6-7