Scriptural text: Ezekiel 18: 1-9; 30-32
Misuse of an Ancient Proverb (Ezekiel 18:1-4).
“The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?” Many of the exiles complained that it was unjust that they should suffer because of the sins of a previous generation. True, the present captivity had resulted from the continuing decay of the nation over several generations; but the exiles could not deny that they too had sinned. There could be no excuses. They are individually responsible for their wrongdoings, and they are punished accordingly.
Portrait of the Just Man (Ezekiel 18:5-9).
“If a man be just” At the opening and close of the statement (Ezekiel 18: 5, Ezekiel 18: 9), he is described in general and comprehensive terms; while in the intermediate verses various particulars of an upright life are specified in examples of the whole. These particulars have reference first, to religious duties (Ezekiel 18:6 a), then to moral obligations such as the avoidance of adultery (Ezekiel 18: 6 b), and finally to duties negative and positive towards one’s neighbor (Ezekiel 18:7-8). The whole, including Ezekiel 18:5; Ezekiel 18:9, may be considered as a terse summary of the practical duty of man.
Repent before it is Too Late (Ezekiel 18:30-32).
The Lord will judge each of the Israelites according to his ways. On this is grounded an exhortation to repent, and to make them a new heart and a new spirit. God does not command what cannot be done but admonishes us to do what is in our power, and to pray for what is not. Ordinances and means are appointed, directions and promises are given, that those who desire this change must seek it from God.
In verses 30b and 31a, there are three imperative commands, “repent, turn, and cast away.” All three commands imply an immediate emergency for running away from the sins of the present. The day of God’s wrath was swiftly approaching, and Israel could avert the kind of catastrophe that befell their parents by repenting of their sins. Those who turned from all of their transgressions would avoid becoming the cause of their ruin.
Ezekiel called for the kind of change that would have averted the calamity that fell upon Israel and Judah. The passage ends on a note of hope and grace. The Lord takes no delight in needless death; rather, He delights in mercy and compassion. “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” References: Matthew Henry Commentary, Townsend Sunday School Press