In what ways does Ezekiel 18:15 connect to the Ten Commandments? Setting the scene “He does not eat at the mountain sanctuaries or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or oppress another. He does not withhold pledged property or commit robbery. He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.” — Ezekiel 18:15 Tracing the Ten Commandments in Ezekiel 18:15 • “He does not eat at the mountain sanctuaries or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel.” - Commandments 1 & 2: “You shall have no other gods before Me” and “You shall not make for yourself an idol” (Exodus 20:3-4). • “He does not defile his neighbor’s wife.” - Commandment 7: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). • “He does not … oppress another … withhold pledged property or commit robbery.” - Commandment 8: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). • “He gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.” - The positive side of Commandments 6-10, summed up by “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39-40). Meeting needs protects life, property, and dignity. Vertical and horizontal obedience • The verse begins with loyalty to God (vertical relationship). • It continues with integrity toward people (horizontal relationships). • This mirrors the structure of the Ten Commandments: the first four direct worship toward God, the last six guide conduct toward others. Personal responsibility underlined • Ezekiel 18 stresses individual accountability: “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20). • By echoing specific commandments, verse 15 shows that each person stands or falls by personal obedience, not inherited guilt. Living the connection today • Guard the heart from modern idols—anything exalted above God (1 John 5:21). • Honor marriage with purity and faithfulness (Hebrews 13:4). • Practice honest dealings; refuse to exploit or defraud (Leviticus 19:13). • Move beyond “do no harm” and actively meet needs, fulfilling the law through love (Romans 13:8-10; James 2:15-17). |
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