Ezekiel 18:32

32 When anyone dies, it does not give me any joy," announces the LORD and King. "So turn away from your sins. Then you will live!

Ezekiel 18:32 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 18:32

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth
Which is not to be interpreted simply and absolutely, and with respect to all persons afflicted and punished by him; for he does take delight in the exercise of "judgment" and "righteousness", and "laughs" at the "calamity" of wicked men, ( Jeremiah 9:24 ) ( Proverbs 1:26 ) ; but comparatively, as in ( Hosea 5:6 ) . The sense is, that he takes no pleasure in the afflictions, calamities, and captivity of men, which are meant by death here; but rather that they would repent and reform, and live in their own land, and enjoy the good things of it; which shows the mercy and compassion of God to sinners: wherefore,
he renews his exhortation, turn [yourselves], and live ye;
or, "ye shall live" ^F18; I take no delight in your present deaths, your captivity; it would be more agreeable to me would you turn from your evil ways to the Lord your God, and behave according to the laws I have given you to walk by, and so live in your own land, in the quiet possession of your goods and estates.

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 (wyxw) "et vivetis", Pagninus, Montanus.

Ezekiel 18:32 In-Context

30 "So I will judge you people. I will judge each of you in keeping with what you have done," announces the LORD and King. "Turn away from your sins! Turn away from all of the evil things you have done. Then sin will not bring you down.

31 Get rid of all of the evil things you have done. Let me give you a new heart and a new spirit. Then you will be faithful to me. Why should you die, people of Israel?

32 When anyone dies, it does not give me any joy," announces the LORD and King. "So turn away from your sins. Then you will live!