Imagine the scene: Ezekiel is surrounded by fellow exiles in Babylon. They’re deeply concerned about what’s happening in Jerusalem, and Ezekiel is there, prophesying the impending fall of the nation.
It’s easy to picture tensions rising as he speaks, perhaps even leading to arguments with those around him, as he shares what God is about to do.
Both Ezekiel and his contemporary Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31.29) had to contend with a proverb that was circulating among the Israelites.
“The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” (Ezekiel 18.2)
Considering the explanation in the Ten Commandments about punishment related to idol-making, it’s understandable that people might believe their children were bearing the consequences of their parents’ actions.
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me
But showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments (Exodus 20.5-6).
The statement in the Ten Commandments was originally meant as a warning to adults, urging them to watch their conduct because their actions would impact their children. Children naturally imitate their parents—like father, like son; like mother, like daughter.
God instructed Ezekiel to tell his fellow exiles that He does not act in a deterministic way. The people of their generation were not suffering due to their forefathers’ sins; they were suffering because they chose to live outside of God’s will.
Ezekiel emphasized that each individual was responsible for their own actions.
As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.
Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine: it is only the person who sins who shall die (Ezekiel 18.3-4).
A Case Study
Ezekiel’s first example of correct behavior is drawn from what some refer to as the Royal Code of Honor.
A righteous man is described as having 12 qualities of character.
- Vs. 5 – Does what is lawful and right
Justice and righteousness are mentioned nine times in the book of Ezekiel, echoing Abraham’s question in Genesis 18:25: “Shall not the judge of all the earth do justice?”
- Vs. 6 – Does not eat upon the mountains or look to the idols of Israel
A righteous person maintains a faithful relationship with God and does not seek out high places on the mountains or other idols as substitutes for God.
- Vs. 6 – Does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her menstrual period
Unlike readers today, Ezekiel’s audience was familiar with the consequences for those who practiced sexual immorality. In Leviticus 18:25-30, such people were warned that the land would “cast them out” because of their defiling abominations.
- Vs. 7 – Does not oppress anyone
Oppression refers to the use of power, and sometimes the legal system, to gain an advantage over marginalized members of society.
- Vs. 7 – Restores to the debtor his pledge
A creditor might take an object as collateral to ensure a debtor repaid their debt. However, a righteous creditor would resist the temptation to keep the pledged item once the debt was settled.
- Vs. 7 – Commits no robbery
This type of robbery is more likely a form of swindling someone out of their money, rather than using violence or physical force.
- Vs. 7 – Gives his bread to the hungry and clothes the naked
A righteous person actively promotes the well-being of the underprivileged, recognizing that every person bears the image of God.
Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker,
but those who are kind to the needy honor him.(Proverbs 14:31)
- Vs. 8 – Does not take advance or accrued interest
The righteous person refuses to exploit the poor for personal gain.
- Vs. 8 – Withholds his hand from iniquity
This person is honest and fair in legal matters. They don’t use legal loopholes to promote self-interest.
- Vs. 8 – Executes true justice between contending parties
A righteous person promotes true justice among people. Rather than using their legal power for personal advantage, they act as a peacemaker in others’ disputes.
- Vs. 9 – Follows God’s statutes
- Vs. 9 – Observes God’s ordinances carefully and acts faithfully
Such a one is righteous; he shall surely live, says the Lord God.
Psalm 1 describes the person who turns away from the counsel of the wicked and instead embraces God’s law, allowing it to guide their life. The psalmist assures us that whatever such a person does will prosper. This reflects the truth behind the qualities listed in Ezekiel’s message.
Qualities of a Leader
In his commentary on Ezekiel, Daniel Bloch highlights how the royal code of honor was consistent throughout the ancient world, emphasizing characteristics that leaders should embody. One of Israel’s problems was that their leaders had failed miserably to embody the qualities mentioned.
My article is appearing on election day in the United States today. As we think about those people for whom we’ll be voting, let’s pray that our leaders in local, state, and federal government will embody these qualities.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 