Ezekiel 18:32

32 For I desire not the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God (For I do not desire the death of anyone who dieth); turn ye again, and live ye.

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 Therefore, thou house of Israel, I shall deem each man by his ways, saith the Lord God. Turn ye together, and do ye penance for all your wickednesses, and wickedness shall not be to you into falling. (And so, O house of Israel, I shall judge each person by their ways, saith the Lord God. Altogether turn ye, and do ye penance for all your wickednesses, and wickedness shall not be to you into falling.)

31 Cast away from you all your trespassings, by which ye trespassed, and make ye a new heart and a new spirit to you (and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit), and then why shall ye die, the house of Israel?

32 For I desire not the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God (For I do not desire the death of anyone who dieth); turn ye again, and live ye.