What does "not oppress anyone" in Ezekiel 18:16 teach about justice? The verse in focus “ ‘He does not oppress anyone, nor does he retain what was pledged as collateral. He does not commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.’ ” (Ezekiel 18:16) Defining oppression from the text itself • Withholding property that rightfully belongs to another (retaining collateral) • Taking by force or deceit (robbery) • Neglecting the basic needs of the vulnerable (hunger, nakedness) Justice as God defines it in Ezekiel 18 • Justice is active righteousness, not merely the absence of wrongdoing. • God measures justice by how power is used: never to exploit, always to serve. • Each individual stands accountable; collective excuses cannot mask personal oppression (vv. 4, 20). How “not oppress anyone” mirrors God’s character • Psalm 146:7–8—God “executes justice for the oppressed… sets the prisoners free.” • Isaiah 30:18—He is “a God of justice”; His people are expected to reflect that same heart. Practical outworking of true justice • Fair dealings in economics: return collateral on time (Exodus 22:26–27). • Generosity that meets tangible needs: bread to the hungry, clothing to the naked (Isaiah 58:7; James 2:15–16). • Refusal to use position, wealth, or influence for personal gain at another’s expense (Proverbs 14:31). • Structural integrity: leaders, employers, and parents alike charged to protect rather than exploit (Colossians 4:1). New Testament echoes • Luke 3:13–14—John the Baptist commands tax collectors and soldiers to stop extortion. • 1 John 3:17—Withholding resources from a needy brother reveals absence of God’s love. Takeaways for today • Biblical justice insists on both equity and compassion. • Every sphere of life—home, business, church, community—becomes a platform to embody God’s non-oppressive justice. • The call extends beyond avoidance of harm to proactive, sacrificial care for those lacking power or provision. |
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