What is the meaning of Ezekiel 18:5? Now suppose Ezekiel opens the discussion with, “Now suppose…”, inviting us to picture a real-life scenario. It’s the Lord’s way of helping us see personal accountability in action, much like Jesus’ parables that begin with, “A certain man…” (Luke 13:6). This hypothetical device makes the teaching concrete and unavoidable: each soul must answer for itself (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 14:12). a man The focus zeroes in on one individual, underscoring that God deals with us personally. Family heritage or national identity cannot shelter anyone from moral responsibility (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:20). The same emphasis appears when Noah, Daniel, and Job are cited as three separate “men” who could deliver only themselves by their righteousness (Ezekiel 14:14). is righteous Scripture calls a person “righteous” when his life aligns with God’s revealed standards (Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 11:5). This is not self-made virtue but a life lived by faith that results in obedience (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 4:3). Ezekiel describes righteousness in very practical terms: avoiding idolatry, violence, and oppression while walking in God’s statutes (18:6-9). Genuine faith always bears fruit that can be seen (James 2:18). and does what is just “Just” speaks to fair, equitable dealings with others—no cheating, no partiality, no exploitation. God’s people were commanded to “do justice” (Micah 6:8) and condemn bribes, dishonest weights, and perverted judgments (Leviticus 19:35-36). John the Baptist told tax collectors and soldiers to practice justice in everyday work (Luke 3:12-14). Righteousness on the inside expresses itself in justice on the outside. and right The phrase “and right” widens the lens to moral integrity in every sphere. It echoes Psalm 106:3, “Blessed are those who keep justice and practice righteousness at all times”. Walking “right” means consistency—at home, in business, in worship—mirroring God’s own character (1 John 3:7; Ephesians 5:8-10). Ezekiel later summarizes such a life: “He walks in My statutes and keeps My ordinances, acting faithfully” (18:9). summary Ezekiel 18:5 launches a case study on personal accountability. God asks us to imagine one ordinary person whose faith shows itself in daily obedience—doing what is just and right. The verse sets the stage for the larger chapter: each individual stands or falls by his own choices, not by the legacy of parents or peers. Righteousness is not a label we inherit but a life we live before the Lord, empowered by faith and evidenced in justice and integrity. |
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