Yet ye say, the way of the Lord is not equal ,.... Still obstinately persisting in their false charges, notwithstanding plain proofs to the contrary: O ye house of Israel, I will judge you everyone after his ways ; See Gill on Ezekiel 18:30 . read more
If our transgressions and our sins be upon us - They are upon us, as a grievous burden, too weighty for us to bear: how then can we live under such a load? We pine away in them - In such circumstances how consoling is that word: "Come unto me, all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest!" read more
As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked - From this to the twentieth verse inclusive is nearly the same with Ezekiel 18, on which I wish the reader to consult the notes. read more
If he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity - If he trust in his acting according to the statutes and ordinances of religion, and according to the laws relative to rights and wrongs among men, and in other respects commit iniquity, he shall die for it. read more
He shall live thereby - "The wages of sin is death;" the "gift of God is eternal life." It is a miserable trade by which a man cannot live; such a trade is sin. read more
Thus ye speak, saying , etc. At the earlier stage the prophet had to contend with scorn, incredulity, derision ( Ezekiel 12:22 ). They trusted in the promises of the false prophets ( Ezekiel 13:6 ). They laid to their soul the flattering unction that they were suffering, not for their own sins, but for the sins of their fathers ( Ezekiel 18:2 ). Now they stand face to face with the fulfillment of the prophet's words. They cherish no hopes, and they make no excuses. They have fallen... read more
A question of despair. I. THE CAUSE OF THE DESPAIR . The prophet has just been told that his responsibility is limited to his warning the people faithfully. If the watchman blows the trumpet lustily he can do no more. The blood of the careless people will then be on their own heads. But this truth, which gives consolation to the prophet, is alarming to the people. It is meant to be so. Yet the alarm may be taken in a wrong way. Instead of rousing themselves to meet and overcome... read more
The hope and the way of life. Taking these words apart from their immediate application, as we may do without departing from their spirit and inner meaning, we are invited to think of— I. HUMAN HOPELESSNESS . "Our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we pine away in them." The men into whose lips these words are put are very far from being the only ones to whom they apply. All men everywhere may say the same—all who live on in conscious departure from the will of God. 1.... read more
Men's misconception of God's government. Men are naturally prone to merge themselves in the nation. This was, perhaps, a stronger habit among the Jews than among us. They could not understand how that, while God punished the nation, he could protect the individual. Israel may be depressed in fortune, while yet Daniel and his companions are elevated. Sodom may be destroyed, but Lot shall be preserved. I. SUFFERING OFTEN BLINDS MEN 'S EYES TO GOD 'S EQUITABLENESS . It is... read more
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John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 33:19
But if the wicked turn from his wickedness ,.... See Gill on Ezekiel 18:27 . read more