יחזקאל, פרק י״ד, פסוק ז׳

A person immersed in sin and idol worship might still seek a superficial connection to God, hoping to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. Even as an individual distances himself from God, holding onto idols in his heart and keeping his sins firmly in sight, he may still approach a prophet [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He comes seeking to hear the words of God [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ], hoping the prophet will reveal his personal future. In reality, he has no genuine intention to listen to God's guidance or to change his harmful ways [מלבי״ם].

This reality applies to anyone from the house of Israel, as well as to the converts living among them. The specific mention of converts refers to those of Chaldean origin who joined the Israelites after the exile to Babylon. Having witnessed the complete fulfillment of God's prophecies regarding the destruction, these converts recognized that He is the true God [רד״ק].

God offers a decisive response to such hypocrisy. The primary approach among commentators is that God declares He Himself will answer the individual [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, this divine response is not meant to grant the sinner's request. Instead, God answers solely to protect the honor of His own name [מצודת דוד], deliberately exposing the person's hidden, malicious intentions in order to punish him [רד״ק]. Another perspective focuses on the twisted mindset of the sinner. In this view, the individual treats God merely as a tool or a business transaction designed to serve his needs and predict his future, entirely devoid of any moral or religious commitment [מלבי״ם].