Ezekiel 18

Chap. XVIII. Ver. 1—32. God vindicates the equity of his Providence.—The Jews complain to Ezekiel (as they had before done to Jeremiah) of God’s dealing hardly with them, in punishing them for the sins of their forefathers, their calamities had been long threatened as the consequence of the national guilt. The Lord tells them that he had no respect of persons: but that every one should eventually be rewarded according to his works. ((Matthew 16:27).) This he instances in a variety of examples; such as that of a just father and his wicked son, and the just son of this wicked father; then a wicked man repenting, and a just man revolting. In vindication of the equity of Providence, we have offered a few remarks in answer to the same objection made to the Prophet Jeremiah, which we need not here repeat.

(See exposition of (Jeremiah 31:27), &c.) For a fuller discussion of this subject, see Doddridge’s Lectures, exlvii. Ver. 24. Righteousness.—Heb. “Righteousnesses.” Ver. 30. Repent and turn…. from, &c.—The word “yourselves,” When the Jews are here commanded to make themselves a new heart, &c. which is elsewhere promised as the gift of God, it can only intend that they should earnestly seek it from Him who alone can give it, and who giveth his Holy Spirit to all who ask it in sincerity. (See (Luke 11:13). Consult the note to ver. 31, where is given the exposition of Pool.)

Notes on the verses

Ver. 20. Spread my net.—See (Ezekiel 12:13). note. Ver. 22. I will take, &c.—(The prophet pursuing the same metaphor, declares that Jehovah would not forget his covenant with the family of David, while he punished this degenerate branch of it: He would plant a tender shoot popped from the highest branch of this cedar; which should, however, become high and eminent. This appears only applicable to Jesus of Nazareth, the son of David, and the Messiah of God.)—Bagster. Ver. 23. Boughs.—[Apostles, evangelists, and their successors in the ministry of the Gospel.—Fruit.—Multitudes shall be converted by their preaching.—Fowl.—All the nations of the earth shall submit to his dominion; and shall trust in Him alone for salvation.]—Bagster.

Ver. 24. The high tree, &c.—The high tree and the green tree refer to Nebuchadnezzar, (Daniel iv. 12.) The low tree and the dry tree, to the Jews. Newcome.—Have done it.—What God decrees, may be considered as certain as if done. Chap. XVIII. Ver. 2. What mean ye, &c.—What cause have you, or what would you have men think of your carriage to me, and of mine towards you.—Use this proverb.—Openly, unjustly, and impudently justify yourselves and condemn your God, not by false accusations of his ways.—The fathers, 0: &c.—Our fathers have sinned, and we their children, who were unborn, do suffer now for their sins. This complaint was common, both in Babylon and Jerusalem, and thus they strove to be thought innocent, and to prove the ways of God to be unjust and cruel.

How sinners willingly overlook their personal sins. See (Jeremiah 31:29). Ver. 4. All souls are mine.—That is, they originate from me, and are accountable to me. There can be no just colour of partial judgment in God when he is equally God to all. Ver. 6. Not eaten upon the mountains.—That is, not partaken of the idol sacrifices on the high places. Ver. 8. Usury.—Biting usury (as the word implies) which is prohibited, because of the injury it does to the borrower, and the undue gain it brings to the lender. This is against the law of charity and the express will of God. (Exodus 22:25). (Leviticus 25:35-37). (Deuteronomy 23:19-20). Ver. 13. His blood shall be upon him.—That is, he shall be answerable for his sins, if not repented of.—His (plural) bloods.—Both the blood of the innocent, which he murdered, and his own blood, which thereby he forfeited; that is, A double blame of his misery in time and eternity shall lie upon himself.