How can we apply Ezekiel 46:17 to respecting others' property today? Setting the Scene “ But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to the servant until the Year of Release; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs to his sons alone; it is theirs.” (Ezekiel 46:17) Ezekiel is describing future temple life, detailing how a prince may give land to his children and, temporarily, to servants. When the Year of Release arrives, land given to servants returns to the prince’s family line. Key Principles in the Text •Ownership is defined and protected by God. •Temporary stewardship differs from permanent inheritance. •Year of Release (cf. Leviticus 25:10) prevents permanent loss of family property. •Servants are blessed with use of land, yet rightful heirs are not dispossessed. Timeless Truths About Property 1.God assigns and safeguards property rights (Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 19:14). 2.Stewardship is real but limited; the owner’s claim endures. 3.Generosity should never trample another’s rightful inheritance. 4.Periodic resets (Year of Release) guard against exploitation. Respecting Others’ Property Today •Recognize God as ultimate Owner. Treat every possession—ours and others’—as entrusted by Him (Psalm 24:1). •Uphold clear boundaries. Do not encroach on someone else’s rights, time, or space—literal or digital (Romans 13:9). •Honor temporary stewardship. Borrowed items, leased property, or workplace resources must be returned in good order, on time. •Avoid “permanent borrowing.” What belongs to another must revert to them—just as land returned to the prince. •Keep generosity righteous. Give freely, yet never pressure others to surrender what God has assigned to their household (Proverbs 3:27). •Support fair systems. Advocate for laws and policies that protect legitimate ownership while providing access for the needy, reflecting the spirit of the Year of Release. •Model restitution. If property boundaries have been crossed—intentionally or not—restore what is not yours (Ephesians 4:28; Luke 19:8). •Foster contentment. Trust God’s provision rather than covet what He has given someone else (Hebrews 13:5). Heart-Level Response •Gratitude: Thank God for what He entrusts to you; envy fades where gratitude grows. •Humility: Handle possessions as a steward, not an absolute owner. •Justice: Defend the vulnerable from property theft or coercion, imitating the Year of Release’s protective intent. •Love: Let respect for others’ property flow from genuine love for neighbors—“Love does no wrong to its neighbor” (Romans 13:10). Living It Out This Week •Return borrowed items promptly. •Check workplace habits—no unofficial “perks” taken home. •Review your giving: Is it generous without indebting or manipulating others? •Ask whether any property dispute or unpaid debt needs resolving; take the first step toward restitution. Ezekiel 46:17 reminds us that God values both generosity and rightful ownership. By guarding what is ours and honoring what is someone else’s, we mirror His justice and love in everyday life. |
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