Connect Ezekiel 46:18 with other scriptures on fair treatment and justice. Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 46:18 “The prince shall not take any of the people’s inheritance, evicting them from their property. He shall give his sons an inheritance from his own possessions, so that My people will not be scattered from their own land.” What This Shows About God’s Heart • Leaders answer to the Lord for how they treat those under them. • Property and family inheritance are protected by divine command. • Justice keeps God’s people settled and secure rather than “scattered.” Old-Testament Reinforcements • Leviticus 25:23 — “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine…” • Deuteronomy 19:14; 27:17 — Boundary stones may not be moved; curse on violators. • Proverbs 29:4 — “By justice a king brings stability to the land, but one who exacts tribute tears it down.” • Isaiah 5:8 — “Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field…” • Micah 2:1-2 — They “covet fields and seize them… a man and his inheritance.” • Jeremiah 22:13 — “Woe to him who builds his palace through unrighteousness… who makes his countrymen serve without pay.” • Proverbs 22:22-23; Psalm 82:3-4 — The Lord champions the poor and afflicted. Historical Warning: Naboth’s Vineyard (1 Kings 21) Ahab seized Naboth’s land; Elijah pronounced judgment. Exactly what Ezekiel forbids, God condemns in practice. New-Testament Echoes • Luke 3:14 — “Do not extort money.” • Luke 19:8 — Zacchaeus makes fourfold restitution. • James 5:4 — Withheld wages cry out to the Lord of Hosts. • Colossians 4:1 — Masters must give what is “right and fair.” • Romans 13:3-4 — Government exists “for your good,” not exploitation. Take-Home Applications • Guard others’ property as you do your own. • If you hold authority, limit yourself first; generosity must cost you, not those beneath you. • Pay fair wages promptly. • Speak up when land rights or livelihoods are threatened. • Remember the goal: justice keeps families rooted and communities whole. When rulers and citizens live by these truths, the stability and blessing promised in Ezekiel 46:18 become visible realities. |
    |