Ezekiel 18:13

Ezekiel 18:13 KJV: "Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him."

Context of Ezekiel 18:13

Ezekiel 18 is a pivotal chapter in the prophetic book of Ezekiel, delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. It directly confronts a common proverb circulating among the people: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2). This proverb implied that the current generation was suffering due to the sins of their ancestors, absolving them of personal responsibility. God, through Ezekiel, emphatically refutes this notion, declaring that each individual is accountable for their own actions. Verse 13 specifically describes the third generation in a lineage (son of a righteous man, father of a wicked man), highlighting one of the wicked deeds that brings about divine judgment: usury and taking excessive interest.

Key Themes

• Individual Accountability: The core message of Ezekiel 18 is that God judges individuals based on their own righteousness or wickedness, not solely on the merits or demerits of their parents or children. This verse underscores that personal choices have personal consequences.
• Consequences of Sin: The phrase "shall he then live? he shall not live: he shall surely die" emphasizes the grave spiritual and often physical consequences of persistent rebellion against God's commands. The specific sin here, usury, is presented as part of a larger list of "abominations" that separate one from God's favor and life.
• Divine Justice: God's justice is portrayed as perfectly equitable. The declaration "his blood shall be upon him" signifies that the individual is solely responsible for their demise; their judgment is self-inflicted and just, not arbitrary.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "usury" (Hebrew: neshek, נֶשֶׁךְ) and "increase" (Hebrew: tarbith, תַּרְבִּית) refer to the practice of lending money or goods at interest, particularly to a fellow Israelite. The Mosaic Law strictly prohibited this practice, especially when dealing with the poor or those in distress (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:36-37; Deuteronomy 23:19-20). While modern financial systems operate differently, the underlying principle condemned here is exploitation and oppression of the vulnerable through excessive or predatory lending. The phrase "his blood shall be upon him" is a strong legal and moral declaration, indicating that the guilt for the death or judgment rests entirely on the individual who committed the sin, affirming their full culpability.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 18:13, within its broader chapter, offers timeless principles for believers today:

• Embrace Personal Responsibility: We cannot blame our circumstances or the actions of others for our own spiritual state or moral choices. God holds each person accountable for their relationship with Him and their obedience to His commands. This aligns with New Testament teachings on sowing and reaping.
• Understand Sin's Gravity: The repeated phrase "shall surely die" serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of sin, not just in this life but eternally. It highlights the need for repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, as expressed in Romans 6:23.
• Practice Ethical Conduct: While the specific prohibition on usury needs contextual understanding for modern finance, the underlying principle of fairness, generosity, and protection of the vulnerable remains crucial. It encourages believers to conduct all financial dealings with integrity and compassion, reflecting God's character.