King James Version
Ezekiel 18
32 verses with commentary
The Soul Who Sins Shall Die
The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
'The word of the LORD came unto me again.' This introduces one of Ezekiel's most theologically significant chapters, addressing individual responsibility before God. The chapter refutes the fatalistic proverb in verse 2 ('The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge') and establishes personal moral accountability. This doctrine was revolutionary in emphasizing that ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25. Ye ... have both spoken with ... mouths, and fulfilled with ... hand--**ironical praise. They had pleaded their obligation to fulfil their vows, in excuse for their idolatry. He answers, no one can accuse you of unsteadiness as to your idolatrous vows; but steadfastness towards God ought to have prevented you from making, or, when made, from keeping such vows.
**ye will surely accomplish ....
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
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KJV Study Commentary
The proverb "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" expressed fatalistic resignation—children inevitably suffer for parents' sins. God rejects this excuse in verse 3: "ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb." This passage establishes individual moral responsibility before God. While sin has corporate and generational consequences, each person...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **What mean ye?**—Almost the same expression occurs in Ezekiel 12:22. The literal translation would be, *What is it to you who are using this proverb? *and the sense is “*Why *do you, &c.?” *Proverb *shows that it was a common saying, a way in which the people habitually sought to shirk the responsibility for their guilt. The same proverb is quoted in Jeremiah 31:29, and condemned in the same ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**26. I have sworn--**I, too have made a vow which I will fulfil. Since ye will not hear Me speaking and warning, hear Me swearing.
**by my great name--**that is, by Myself (Ge 22:16), the greatest by whom God can swear (He 6:13, 14).
**my name shall no more be named--**The Jews, heretofore, amidst all their idolatry, had retained the form of appeal to the name of God and the law, the distinct...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
God declares emphatically: "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel." The oath formula "as I live" invokes God's eternal existence as guarantee. This isn't denying generational consequences but rejecting deterministic fatalism. Each person will be judged according to their own righteousness or wickedness (verses 4, 20). The doctrine of perso...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**27. watch over ... for evil--**(Jr 1:10; Eze 7:6). The God, whose providence is ever solicitously watching over His people for good, shall solicitously, as it were, watch for their hurt. Contrast Jr 31:28; 32:41.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
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KJV Study Commentary
God declares: 'Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.' This establishes individual moral accountability before God. The phrase 'all souls are mine' (kol-hanephashot li, כָּל־הַנְּפָשׁוֹת לִי) asserts God's sovereign ownership of every human life, father and son equally. The principle 'the soul that sinneth, i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **All souls are mine.**—This is the basis of the subsequent teaching. Since all alike belong to God and are absolutely in His power. He has no occasion to punish one lest another should escape; and again, since all are His, He loves and would save them all, and inflicts punishment only when it is deserved and His grace is rejected. Four cases are now discussed separately: (1) That of the right...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. small number--**(see on Jr 44:14; and Jr 42:17; Is 27:13); compare "all-consumed" (Jr 44:27). A band easily counted, whereas they were expecting to return triumphantly in large numbers.
**shall know--**most of them experimentally, and to their cost.
**whose words ... mine, or theirs--**Hebrew, "that from Me and them." Jehovah's words are His threats of destruction to the Jews; theirs, th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, that: Heb. judgment and justice
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KJV Study Commentary
'But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right.' This begins the description of a righteous person. The Hebrew tsaddiyq ('just/righteous') describes one in right relationship with God through covenant faithfulness. The subsequent verses detail practical righteousness: avoiding idolatry, sexual sin, oppression, and practicing justice and mercy. This is not works-based salvation but th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **If a man be just.**—At the opening and close of the statement in regard to the righteous man (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 as examples of the whole. These particulars have reference, first, to religious duties (Ezekiel 18:6 a), then to moral obligations, s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. this ... sign unto you--**The calamity of Pharaoh-hophra (see on Jr 44:30) shall be a sign to you that as he shall fall before his enemy, so you shall subsequently fall before Nebuchadnezzar (Mt 24:8) [Grotius]. Calvin makes the "sign" to be simultaneous with the event signified, not antecedent to it, as in Ex 3:12. The Jews believed Egypt impregnable, so shut in was it by natural barriers. ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,
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KJV Study Commentary
'And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel.' The righteous person avoids idolatrous worship. 'Eaten upon the mountains' refers to participating in sacrificial meals at high places—pagan worship sites. 'Lifted up his eyes to idols' indicates devotion or worship. The phrase also mentions sexual purity: 'neither hath defiled his neighbo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Eaten upon the mountains.**—The various sins here specified are all enumerated again, with others, and charged upon Jerusalem in Ezekiel 22:2-12. The particular of eating upon the mountains is mentioned in Ezekiel 18:9, and refers to the feasts in connection with sacrifices to idols which were commonly held in high places. The Lord Himself, indeed, was also worshipped in high places, in expr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30. Hophra--**in Herodotus called Apries. He succeeded Psammis, the successor of Pharaoh-necho, who was beaten by Nebuchadnezzar at Carchemish, on the Euphrates. Amasis rebelled against, and overcame him, in the city Sais.
**them that seek his life--**Herodotus, in curious accordance with this, records that Amasis, after treating Hophra well at first, was instigated, by persons who thought the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;
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KJV Study Commentary
'And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge.' True righteousness includes economic justice. The righteous person doesn't oppress the vulnerable but treats them fairly. Restoring the debtor's pledge refers to Mosaic law requiring return of items taken as security (Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:10-13). 'Hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **To the debtor his pledge.**—In the simple state of early Hebrew society borrowing was resorted to only by the very poor, and the law abounds in precepts against any oppression or taking advantage in such cases (Exodus 22:25-27; Leviticus 25:14; Leviticus 25:17, &c). Especial provision was made for restoring in a considerate way a pledge for borrowed money (Exodus 22:26; Deuteronomy 24:6; Deu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,
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KJV Study Commentary
'He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase.' Charging interest to fellow Israelites was forbidden (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-37, Deuteronomy 23:19-20), preventing exploitation of the poor. 'Hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man'—the righteous person pursues justice in community relationships, settling disputes fair...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Given forth upon usury.—**In Scripture usury does not mean excessive interest, as often in modern legislation, but any interest at all. This was strictly forbidden in the law to be taken of any Hebrew, though allowed, without limit as to amount, from foreigners. It had nothing to do with the regulation of commercial transactions, but was simply a law of kindness to a fellow member of the sam...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 45 Jr 45:1-5. Jeremiah Comforts Baruch.
After the completion of the prophecies and histories appertaining to the Jewish people and kings, Jeremiah subjoins one referring to an individual, Baruch; even as there are subjoined to the epistles of Paul addressed to churches, epistles to individuals, some of which were prior in date to the former. Afterwards follow the prophecies referring to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.' This verse summarizes: covenant faithfulness (walking in statutes), obedience (keeping judgments), and integrity (dealing truly). The divine verdict: 'he is just, he shall surely live.' The Hebrew chayah chayah ('live, live') uses emphatic repetition—absolute certainty. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things, robber: or, breaker up of an house that doeth: or, that doeth to his brother besides any of these
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KJV Study Commentary
'If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things.' Now the contrast: a righteous father can have a wicked son. The son is a 'robber' (periyts—violent, lawless person) and 'shedder of blood' (shaphak dam—murderer). This establishes that righteousness is not inherited genetically or automatically through family lineage.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **That doeth the like to any one of these things.**—The prophet now enters upon the consideration of the second case, that of the son of a righteous father who takes to wicked courses, and it is shown that he shall be dealt with according to his own personal character. It is not necessary that he should be wholly given over to evil or have committed all the sins enumerated, but if he show the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Thou didst say, &c.--**Jeremiah does not spare his disciple, but unveils his fault, namely, fear for his life by reason of the suspicions which he incurred in the eyes of his countrymen (compare Jr 36:17), as if he was in sympathy with the Chaldeans (Jr 43:3), and instigator of Jeremiah; also ingratitude in speaking of his "grief," &c., whereas he ought to deem himself highly blessed ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife,
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KJV Study Commentary
'And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour's wife.' The wicked son does the opposite of his righteous father—participating in idolatrous worship and committing adultery. The litany of sins shows comprehensive rebellion: what the father avoided, the son embraces. The point: righteousness and wickedness are matters of personal choice, n...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. that which I have built ... planted I will pluck up--**(Is 5:5). This whole nation (the Jews) which I founded and planted with such extraordinary care and favor, I will overthrow.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,
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KJV Study Commentary
'Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge.' The wicked son violates economic justice—oppressing the vulnerable, stealing, refusing to return pledges. These are exact opposites of his father's righteousness (verse 7). 'And hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination'—idolatry and moral abominations complete his rebellion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. seekest thou great things for thyself--**Thou art over-fastidious and self-seeking. When My own peculiar people, a "whole" nation (Jr 45:4), and the temple, are being given to ruin, dost thou expect to be exempt from all hardship? Baruch had raised his expectations too high in this world, and this made his distresses harder to be borne. The frowns of the world would not disquiet us if we did ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him. blood: Heb. bloods
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KJV Study Commentary
'Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.' The wicked son's fate: certain death. The emphatic Hebrew mot yumat ('die, he shall die') mirrors the righteous person's chayah chayah ('live, he shall live'). 'His blood shall be upon him'—he bears responsibility for ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Hath done all these abominations.—**This expression is collective, while that in Ezekiel 18:10 is partitive. This is not because he who commits one sin is considered as having committed all, but because he who willingly commits any sin thereby puts himself into the class of sinners, of those who do not wish or intend to abide by the Divine will, but choose rather to do their own. Such a man...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,
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KJV Study Commentary
'Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father's sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like.' The third generation: a wicked father's son who observes his father's sins and chooses differently. The Hebrew ra'ah ('sees') and yare' ('considers/fears') indicate thoughtful reflection, not merely witnessing. This son learns from negative example and pursues righteousness ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Doeth not such like.**—This is the third case—that of the righteous son of a wicked father. The general principle is the same, that each man is to be judged according to his own individual character. The son of the righteous man has advantages, and the son of the wicked has hindrances in the way of righteousness which are not specified here, although elsewhere we are abundantly taught that ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 46 Jr 46:1-28. The Prophecies, Forty-sixth through Fifty-second Chapters, Refer to Foreign Peoples.
He begins with Egypt, being the country to which he had been removed. The forty-sixth chapter contains two prophecies concerning it: the discomfiture of Pharaoh-necho at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar, and the long subsequent conquest of Egypt by the same king; also the preservation of the J...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour's wife,</strong> This verse appears within Ezekiel's powerful discourse on individual moral responsibility, listing characteristics of a righteous person. The phrase "eaten upon the mountains" (<em>el-heharim lo akhal</em>, אֶל־הֶהָרִים לֹא אָכָל) refe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2. Inscription of the first prophecy.
**Pharaoh-necho--**He, when going against Carchemish (Cercusium, near the Euphrates), encountered Josiah, king of Judah (the ally of Assyria), at Megiddo, and slew him there (2Ki 23:29; 2Ch 35:20-24); but he was four years subsequently overcome at Carchemish, by Nebuchadnezzar, as is foretold here; and lost all the territory which had been subject to the Pha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment, hath not: Heb. hath not pledged the pledge, or, taken to pledge
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KJV Study Commentary
'Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment.' The righteous grandson practices the same righteousness as his grandfather (verses 7-9), despite his father's wickedness. He breaks the family pattern of rebellion and returns to covenant faithfulness. This demonstrates t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3. Derisive summons to battle. With all your mighty preparation for the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, when ye come to the encounter, ye shall be "dismayed" (Jr 46:5). Your mighty threats shall end in nothing.
**buckler--**smaller, and carried by the light-armed cavalry.
**shield--**of larger size, and carried by the heavily armed infantry.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.
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KJV Study Commentary
'That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.' The righteous grandson's verdict: life, not death. 'He shall not die for the iniquity of his father'—explicit rejection of inherited guilt. Each person's eternal fate depends on their ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Harness the horses--**namely, to the war chariots, for which Egypt was famed (Ex 14:7; 15:4).
**get up, ye horsemen--**get up into the chariots. Maurer, because of the parallel "horses," translates, "Mount the steeds." But it is rather describing the successive steps in equipping the war chariots; first harness the horses to them, then let the horsemen mount them.
**brigandines--**cuirass...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.
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KJV Study Commentary
'As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.' The wicked father's fate remains unchanged by his righteous son. Just as the righteous father couldn't save his wicked son, the righteous son cannot save his wicked father. Each person bears their own moral responsibility. 'He s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **As for his father.**—There is here a recurrence to the second case, to bring out more sharply the contrast between the two, and to emphasise the fact insisted upon, that each individual must be judged according to his own character, without help or prejudice from that of his father.
This third case was especially adapted to the prophet’s purpose of refuting the proverb, because here was the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. (See on Jr 46:3). The language of astonishment, that an army so well equipped should be driven back in "dismay." The prophet sees this in prophetic vision.
**fled apace--**literally, "fled a flight," that is, flee precipitately.
**look not back--**They do not even dare to look back at their pursuers.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.' The people's objection shows they still cling to corporate guilt. God's answer: righteous actions bring life. The son who practices righteousness lives, regardless of his father's wickedness. This establ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Why? Doth not the son bear?**—It would be clearer to read this as a single question, “Why doth not the son, &c?*” *It is the question proposed by the people in objection to what has been declared. To them it seemed the law of nature, the necessity of the case, the teaching of history, that the son should bear the iniquity of his father. Their ideas had not risen to the conception of man’s i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Let not--**equivalent to the strongest negation. Let not any of the Egyptian warriors think to escape by swiftness or by might.
**toward the north--**that is, in respect to Egypt or Judea. In the northward region, by the Euphrates (see Jr 46:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
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KJV Study Commentary
The principle of individual accountability reaches climax: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son." Each person bears responsibility for their own sin. The phrase "the soul that sinneth" emphasizes personal agency. This doesn't contradict original sin or corporate solidarity but establishes indi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. as a flood--**(Jr 47:2; Is 8:7, 8; Da 11:22). The figure is appropriate in addressing Egyptians, as the Nile, their great river, yearly overspreads their lands with a turbid, muddy flood. So their army, swelling with arrogance, shall overspread the region south of Euphrates; but it, like the Nile, shall retreat as fast as it advanced.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
God has no respect of persons. (Ezek 18:1-20) The Divine providence is vindicated. (Ezek 18:21-29) A gracious invitation to repentance. (Ezek 18:30-32)
**Verses 1-20** The soul that sinneth it shall die. As to eternity, every man was, is, and will be dealt with, as his conduct shows him to have been under the old covenant of works, or the new covenant of grace. Whatever outward su...
Read full commentary →But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
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KJV Study Commentary
"But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die." God offers hope to the wicked through genuine repentance. The phrase "turn from all his sins" emphasizes comprehensive transformation, not selective reformation. True repentance involves both turning from sin and turning to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) I**f the wicked will turn.**—The prophet now takes up the fourth and last case—that of a change in the individual character. This has necessarily two sub-divisions: (1) that of the wicked repenting and doing righteousness (Ezekiel 18:21-23, and Ezekiel 18:27-28), and (2) that of the righteous falling into wickedness, (Ezekiel 18:24-26), which latter case is more briefly treated, because the o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Answer to the question in Jr 46:7.
**waters ... moved like the rivers--**The rise of the Nile is gentle; but at the mouth it, unlike most rivers, is much agitated, owing to the sandbanks impeding its course, and so it rushes into the sea like a cataract.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.</strong> This verse proclaims radical grace: when the wicked person genuinely repents and turns to righteousness, God completely forgives past sins. The phrase "shall not be mentioned" (<em>lo yizakhru</em>, לֹא יִזָּכְרוּ) means God will not remember, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Shall not be mentioned unto him.**—A strong way of expressing the completeness of the Divine forgiveness. Here, again, at first sight, there seems to be an inconsistency between the Divine promise and the actual facts of the world. The penitent and forgiven sinner is continually seen to suffer through life from the consequences of his sin, as David’s whole reign was overclouded with trouble...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. Ironical exhortation, as in Jr 46:3. The Egyptians, owing to the heat of their climate and abstinence from animal food, were physically weak, and therefore employed mercenary soldiers.
**Ethiopians--**Hebrew, Cush: Abyssinia and Nubia.
**Libyans--**Phut, Mauritania, west of Egypt (compare Ge 10:6).
**shield--**The Libyans borrowed from Egypt the use of the long shield extending to the fee...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
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KJV Study Commentary
God reveals His heart: "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?" This rhetorical question establishes that God takes no delight in judgment but desires repentance. The Hebrew word chaphets (חָפֵץ, "pleasure") indicates delight or desire. While God's holiness requires judging sin, His grace offers salvation. T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Have I any pleasure at all?**—This brings out that fundamental truth which underlies the whole teaching of both the Old and New Testaments, and which should have satisfied Israel of the Lord’s readiness to receive every penitent sinner. God created man; and when he had fallen, ordered both the old and the new dispensations, and employed methods of infinite love to win him to salvation. He c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. vengeance--**for the slaughter of Josiah (2Ki 23:29).
**sword shall devour ... be ... drunk--**poetical personification (De 32:42).
**a sacrifice--**(Is 34:6; Eze 39:17). The slaughter of the Egyptians is represented as a sacrifice to satiate His righteous vengeance.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
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KJV Study Commentary
"But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die." This sobering warning addresses apostasy danger. The phrase "tur...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. Gilead ... balm--**(See on Jr 8:22); namely, for curing the wounds; but no medicine will avail, so desperate shall be the slaughter.
**virgin--**Egypt is so called on account of her effeminate luxury, and as having never yet been brought under foreign yoke.
**thou shalt not be cured--**literally, "there shall be no cure for thee" (Jr 30:13; Eze 30:21). Not that the kingdom of Egypt shoul...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?
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KJV Study Commentary
'Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?' The people accuse God of injustice ('not equal'—Hebrew takan, 'not right/fair'). God turns the accusation: His way is perfectly just; their ways are unequal. Human perspective on justice is distorted by sin. God's individual accountability is perfectly fair—each person recei...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **The way of the Lord is not equal.**—The word means literally, *weighed out, balanced. *The accusation of the Israelites was still (here and in Ezekiel 18:29) that the Lord was arbitrary and unjust. His statement in reply is that He rewards and punishes according to eternal and immutable principles of right. Every man must reap that which he has sown. (Comp. Romans 2:5-10.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. mighty ... stumbled against ... mighty ... fallen both together--**Their very multitude shall prove an impediment in their confused flight, one treading on the other.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
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KJV Study Commentary
'When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.' This introduces the possibility of apostasy—a righteous person turning away. The Hebrew shuv ('turn') indicates deliberate change of direction. 'And dieth in them'—dying in that state of rebellion brings judgment. This warns against presumption: p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-26. Prophecy of the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place sixteen years after the taking of Jerusalem. Having spent thirteen years in the siege of Tyre, and having obtained nothing for his pains, he is promised by God Egypt for his reward in humbling Tyre (Eze 29:17-20; 30:1-31:18). The intestine commotions between Amasis and Pharaoh-hophra prepared his way (compare Note, see on...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.' The flip side: a wicked person can repent and find life. 'Turneth away' (Hebrew shuv) is the word for repentance—changing direction. Doing 'that which is lawful and right' demonstrates genuine repentance. 'He shall save his soul alive'—repent...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Shall save his soul alive.**—This does not mean that any man can by his own power save himself, for that question is not here in view at all, but that the consequence of a certain course of conduct will be his salvation, and that the adoption of that course is within the man’s own choice.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-26. Prophecy of the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place sixteen years after the taking of Jerusalem. Having spent thirteen years in the siege of Tyre, and having obtained nothing for his pains, he is promised by God Egypt for his reward in humbling Tyre (Eze 29:17-20; 30:1-31:18). The intestine commotions between Amasis and Pharaoh-hophra prepared his way (compare Note, see on...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
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KJV Study Commentary
'Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.' Genuine repentance involves consideration (ra'ah—seeing, understanding) and turning (shuv—repenting). It's not merely emotion but thoughtful recognition of sin and deliberate change. 'Turneth away from all his transgressions'—comprehensive repentance, not selective...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-26. Prophecy of the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place sixteen years after the taking of Jerusalem. Having spent thirteen years in the siege of Tyre, and having obtained nothing for his pains, he is promised by God Egypt for his reward in humbling Tyre (Eze 29:17-20; 30:1-31:18). The intestine commotions between Amasis and Pharaoh-hophra prepared his way (compare Note, see on...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?
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KJV Study Commentary
'Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?' The chapter ends by repeating the charge and answer from verse 25. Despite clear explanation of God's perfect justice, sinful humans persist in accusing Him. The repetition emphasizes: human perception of fairness is corrupted by sin; God's ways are perfectly just...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-26. Prophecy of the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place sixteen years after the taking of Jerusalem. Having spent thirteen years in the siege of Tyre, and having obtained nothing for his pains, he is promised by God Egypt for his reward in humbling Tyre (Eze 29:17-20; 30:1-31:18). The intestine commotions between Amasis and Pharaoh-hophra prepared his way (compare Note, see on...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 21-29** The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who f...
Read full commentary →Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. yourselves: or, others
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KJV Study Commentary
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin." God's judgment is personal and equitable—each person judged according to their own ways. The command to repent emphasizes both negative (turn from sin) and positive (turn to God) aspects. The phrase "so i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Repent, and turn.**—The three last verses of the chapter contain an earnest exhortation to the Israelites, based on the principles of God’s dealings with man just now declared, to repent and receive His mercy and blessing. Here, as before, there is no question of human sufficiency; and when the counsel is given (Ezekiel 18:31), “Make you a new heart and a new spirit,” it is not meant to say...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-26. Prophecy of the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place sixteen years after the taking of Jerusalem. Having spent thirteen years in the siege of Tyre, and having obtained nothing for his pains, he is promised by God Egypt for his reward in humbling Tyre (Eze 29:17-20; 30:1-31:18). The intestine commotions between Amasis and Pharaoh-hophra prepared his way (compare Note, see on...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 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 ma...
Read full commentary →Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
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KJV Study Commentary
"Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" God commands what He also promises (11:19, 36:26)—a new heart. This paradox reflects both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. We cannot make ourselves new hearts, yet we must repent and believe. God commands the impossible to demons...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-26. Prophecy of the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place sixteen years after the taking of Jerusalem. Having spent thirteen years in the siege of Tyre, and having obtained nothing for his pains, he is promised by God Egypt for his reward in humbling Tyre (Eze 29:17-20; 30:1-31:18). The intestine commotions between Amasis and Pharaoh-hophra prepared his way (compare Note, see on...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 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 ma...
Read full commentary →For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. yourselves: or, others
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KJV Study Commentary
God declares: 'For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.' This verse reveals God's heart—He takes no delight in judgment but earnestly desires repentance and life. The Hebrew 'lo echpotz' (לֹא אֶחְפֹּץ, 'I have no pleasure') strongly denies that God is vindictive or eager to punish. The death mentioned is both physical (exile...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-26. Prophecy of the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which took place sixteen years after the taking of Jerusalem. Having spent thirteen years in the siege of Tyre, and having obtained nothing for his pains, he is promised by God Egypt for his reward in humbling Tyre (Eze 29:17-20; 30:1-31:18). The intestine commotions between Amasis and Pharaoh-hophra prepared his way (compare Note, see on...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 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 ma...
Read full commentary →