The Bible Recap — Day 242: Ezekiel 13–15 (Year 7)

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: August 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble recaps and unpacks Ezekiel chapters 13–15. She explores God’s rebuke of false prophets, His warning against idolatry among the exiled elders, and His declaration of coming judgment. Through practical analogies and personal stories, Tara-Leigh highlights God's persistent love, truthfulness, and desire for His people’s freedom from deception and sin.

Key Discussion Points

1. Ezekiel Confronts False Prophets

(00:03–04:00)

• God sends Ezekiel to rebuke false prophets who invent messages based on their own ideas or feelings rather than true revelation.
• Tara-Leigh explores whether these false visions are deliberate lies or mistaken perceptions manipulated by evil forces.
• The prophets believe that speaking “in God’s name” binds God to make things happen—a belief mirrored in some modern Christian practices.
• Quote (00:45):

  “Not only are his hands not tied, but his hands will be used against them.”
  — Tara-Leigh Cobble

• God uses a metaphor: their prophecies are like a wall painted to look good but destined to collapse, revealing their lack of substance.

2. The Dangers of Sorcery and False Security

(04:00–06:10)

• God addresses magicians and those who use magic charms (e.g., bracelets) to promise protection.
• Tara-Leigh notes the parallel to modern superstitions like red string bracelets sold in Jerusalem today.
• Quote (05:04):

  “How deceptive is the enemy? He uses the fear of evil to entice people into evil.”
  — Tara-Leigh Cobble

• These sorcerers promise safety but cannot deliver because only God is sovereign.

3. God’s Confrontation of Idolatry Among the Elders

(06:10–09:20)

• Elders seek guidance from Ezekiel, but God reveals their hearts are set on idols.
• Surprisingly, God still invites them to seek Him but warns He will only address their idolatry until they repent.
• Tara-Leigh shares a personal example of someone seeking God’s voice but only hearing the consistent call to obedience in a specific area.
• Quote (08:40):

  “We don’t go alone. Whatever our sins may be, we can go to Him… he is persistent in addressing them. Not out of condemnation, but because he loves us.”
  — Tara-Leigh Cobble

4. Judgment and Righteous Remnants

(09:20–12:00)

• God warns that judgment is inevitable—so severe that even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were present, only they would survive.
• Tara-Leigh jokes that these are “the winners of each season of Survivor.”
• God promises famine, sword, pestilence, and wild animals as part of His discipline.

5. Encouragement from Survivors & The Vine Parable

(12:00–14:15)

• Some survivors of Jerusalem’s destruction will serve as proof of God’s justice and mercy, bringing encouragement to Ezekiel.
• In chapter 15, God compares Jerusalem’s people to a useless vine destined for burning.

6. Tara-Leigh’s 'God Shot'

(14:15–16:00)

• Tara-Leigh finds hope in Ezekiel 13:22, highlighting God’s desire for His people to have peace and walk in truth.
• Quote (15:45):

  “He’s so protective… he cares about the peace we carry with us, day by day, in every moment as children who know and love the truth of who their father is. Truly, he’s where the joy is.”
  — Tara-Leigh Cobble

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Modern Parallels to False Prophecy (01:50):

  “Some popular ideas and practices in the world today, even in Christendom, aren’t too far off from this.”

• On Persistent Sin and God’s Patience (09:00):

  “He patiently walks us there step by step. We don’t go alone.”

• On Peace and Protection (15:45):

  “He doesn’t just care about our eternal destination, he cares about the peace we carry… in every moment…”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02–04:00 — Rebuke of False Prophets
• 04:00–06:10 — Warnings Against Sorcery
• 06:10–09:20 — Idols in the Heart & Seeking Guidance
• 09:20–12:00 — Righteous Remnant Amidst Judgment
• 12:00–14:15 — Survivors as Encouragement & The Vine Parable
• 14:15–16:00 — God’s Character & Personal “God Shot” Reflection

Final Thoughts

Tara-Leigh reminds listeners that God’s warnings and corrections are not condemning but are expressions of love and a desire for His people to live in truth and peace. She encourages listeners to consider areas of persistent sin and to trust God’s patience and persistence, as well as His protective heart for the righteous.

Call to Action:
Tara-Leigh invites listeners (and newcomers) to join in the upcoming New Testament reading plan, emphasizing the ongoing excitement and accessibility of The Bible Recap community.