How does Ezekiel 18:7 define righteousness in terms of social justice? Setting the Scene - Ezekiel 18 addresses an objection in Judah: “Our fathers sinned, and we’re suffering for it.” - God responds by stressing individual responsibility; every person is accountable for his own actions. - Verse 7 sits in a list describing “the righteous man” (vv. 5-9). Key Text: Ezekiel 18:7 “He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.” Righteousness Expressed Through Social Justice 1. No oppression • Refuses to exploit, manipulate, or intimidate others. • Echoes Leviticus 25:17—“Do not take advantage of one another.” 2. Returning the pledge • In ancient Israel, the poor often gave a cloak as collateral; withholding it overnight meant freezing (Deuteronomy 24:12-13). • Righteousness cares more about the neighbor’s warmth than personal security. 3. No robbery • Goes beyond refraining from violent theft; includes refusing dishonest gain (v. 8). • Proverbs 22:22—“Do not rob the poor because he is poor.” 4. Feeding the hungry • Shares daily bread rather than hoarding (Isaiah 58:7; Matthew 25:35). • Recognizes God as ultimate Provider and steward of resources. 5. Clothing the naked • Meets visible, practical needs (James 2:15-16). • Treats every person as bearing God’s image, deserving dignity and protection. Biblical Echoes and Reinforcements - Isaiah 58:6-7—True fasting involves “to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house.” - Job 31:16-23—Job defends his righteousness by citing care for the needy. - Luke 3:11—John the Baptist: “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none.” - James 1:27—“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress.” Takeaways for Today - Righteousness is not only private morality; it is visible love in action. - Social justice in Scripture begins with personal responsibility—doing right by the people God places in our path. - Genuine faith manifests in concrete deeds that protect the vulnerable, honor property, and meet basic needs. - When believers practice these principles, we reflect God’s own character: “The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds” (Psalm 145:17). |
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