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"He shall surely live"

Text: Ezekiel 18:17

FATHER AND SON

A contrast between a good son and a bad father is offered in this text. God’s judgment is clearly indicated.

“If, however, he begets a son
Who sees all the sins which his father has done,
And considers but does not do likewise;
Who has not eaten on the mountains,
Nor lifted his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel,
Nor defiled his neighbour’s wife;
Has not oppressed anyone,
Nor withheld a pledge,
Nor robbed by violence,
But has given his bread to the hungry
And covered the naked with clothing;
Who has withdrawn his hand from the poor
And not received usury or increase,
But has executed My judgments
And walked in My statutes—
He shall not die for the iniquity of his father;
He shall surely live!
As for his father,
Because he cruelly oppressed,
Robbed his brother by violence,
And did what is not good among his people,
Behold, he shall die for his iniquity.”
Ezekiel 18:14-18

1. The good son.

a) He sees all the sins the father has committed.

b) He decides that he would not follow the ways of his father.

c) His ways are clearly described.

2. The behaviour of the good son.

a) He is not idolatrous.

b) He has good morals.

c) He does not oppress anyone.

d) He does not exact usury.

e) He cares for the poor, feeding and clothing them.

f) He has kept the judgments and statutes of God faithfully.

3. The verdict of God concerning the good son.

a) He will not die because of his father’s iniquity.

b) He will live.

4. The verdict of God concerning the sinful father:

a) Because he oppresses people,

b) Because he resorts to robbery and violence,

c) Because he does evil instead of good,

d) He will die because of his iniquity.