Ezekiel 14:1-14

One day, some leaders of Israel came to me to consult about what God was saying. While they were sitting there with me, YAHWEH spoke to me, saying, “Son of man, these men have set up idols deep within their hearts. And they have set idols before their eyes, so why should I let them ask me anything? So tell them this, ‘Lord YAHWEH says: If any Israelite comes to consult with the prophet despite a heart that worships idols and eyes looking on that which leads into wickedness, I, YAHWEH, will answer that person directly. I will give the answer that is deserved because of the great extent of the idolatry. And in this way I hope to capture the hearts of the people of Israel who have all been estranged because of all their idols.’ “Therefore, prophesy to the people of Israel, ‘Lord YAHWEH says to you: Repent! Come back to me and forsake your idols. Once and for all, turn your backs on all your detestable practices. If any Israelite or a foreigner living among you rejects me with idolatry of the heart and has intentionally gazed on that which leads into wickedness, yet goes to consult with a prophet, then, I, YAHWEH, will answer that person myself. I will oppose that person! I will cut the idolator off from my people as an example and a warning to others. And then you will know that I am YAHWEH. And if the prophet is tricked into speaking a prophetic word, it is I, YAHWEH, who allowed this to happen, for I have decided to punish him with death. Both the prophet and the one who consults him will be equally punished for their guilt. I will do this so that they will never stray from me again or defile themselves with their rebellion. Then they will be my faithful people, and I will be their faithful God. For I, Lord YAHWEH, have spoken.’ ” YAHWEH spoke to me, saying: “Son of man, suppose all the people living in a certain country wander from me in pursuit of their sin, then I decide to come against them. I would punish them by destroying their food supply, inflicting famine on them, and causing people and animals to starve to death. Even if the three godly men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, all lived there, their righteous lives could only save themselves—no one else. I, Lord YAHWEH, have spoken.