Ezekiel 18:7

And hath not oppressed any, [but] hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

And hath not oppressed {H3238} any {H376}, but hath restored {H7725} to the debtor {H2326} his pledge {H2258}, hath spoiled {H1497} none by violence {H1500}, hath given {H5414} his bread {H3899} to the hungry {H7457}, and hath covered {H3680} the naked {H5903} with a garment {H899};

he doesn't wrong anyone; he returns any pledged property a debtor has given as collateral for a loan; he takes nothing by robbery, but gives his food to the hungry and clothing to those who need it;

He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.

and hath not wronged any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath taken nought by robbery, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

Ezekiel 18:7 is a pivotal verse within a chapter that emphasizes individual accountability and God's justice, challenging the common proverb of the time that children suffered for their parents' sins. This verse outlines specific acts of righteousness that define a just and godly person, contrasting with the wicked behaviors described elsewhere in the chapter.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a time of national crisis and spiritual reflection for the Israelites. Many in exile clung to the proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2), believing they were unjustly punished for their ancestors' sins. Ezekiel 18 directly refutes this, proclaiming that God judges individuals based on their own actions. Verse 7 details practical expressions of righteousness that were deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law and the broader covenant relationship. Specifically, the command to "restore to the debtor his pledge" directly references laws designed to protect the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that a person's essential needs (like a cloak used for warmth at night) were not permanently withheld as security for a debt (Deuteronomy 24:10-13). These actions demonstrated a heart aligned with God's character of justice and compassion for all, especially the marginalized in society.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Individual Righteousness: The verse highlights specific, actionable behaviors that demonstrate a person's upright standing before God, reinforcing the chapter's theme of individual responsibility for one's choices.
  • Economic Justice and Fairness: "Hath not oppressed any" and "hath restored to the debtor his pledge" underscore a commitment to fair dealings, preventing exploitation and ensuring that the vulnerable are not further burdened by economic hardship.
  • Compassion and Charity: "Hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment" emphasizes active benevolence and practical care for those in need, reflecting God's own heart for the poor and distressed. This echoes the calls for social justice found throughout the prophets (Isaiah 58:7).
  • Non-Violence and Integrity: "Hath spoiled none by violence" speaks to a commitment to peace, respect for others' property, and living free from aggression or coercion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "oppressed" is 'ashaq (עָשַׁק), which conveys the idea of defrauding, exploiting, or taking advantage of someone, particularly those in a weaker position. It implies a misuse of power or authority. The term "pledge" (chabal, חָבַל) refers to an item given as security for a loan. The Law was very specific about the return of such items, especially if they were essential for daily life, like a cloak or a millstone, underscoring the importance of human dignity over economic gain.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 18:7 remains profoundly relevant today, serving as a timeless guide for ethical and compassionate living. It calls believers to:

  • Practice Economic Integrity: Deal honestly in all financial matters, avoiding exploitation, usury, and unfair practices. For those in positions of power or influence, it means ensuring fair wages, just contracts, and responsible lending.
  • Engage in Active Charity: Be proactive in meeting the basic needs of the less fortunate, whether through direct giving, supporting charitable organizations, or advocating for systems that uplift the poor. This aligns with New Testament teachings on caring for the needy, as seen in Matthew 25:35-36.
  • Live Non-Violently: Cultivate a lifestyle of peace, respect for others, and a rejection of all forms of aggression or coercion, whether physical, verbal, or emotional.
  • Seek Justice: Stand against oppression and injustice in all its forms, advocating for the rights of the vulnerable and working towards a society where all are treated with dignity and fairness. This reflects the call to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).

This verse reminds us that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding sin, but actively engaging in acts of justice, compassion, and generosity towards others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Ezekiel 18:16

    Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, [but] hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,
  • Exodus 22:26

    If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
  • Ezekiel 18:12

    Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,
  • Deuteronomy 24:12

    And if the man [be] poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:
  • Deuteronomy 24:13

    In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.
  • Ezekiel 33:15

    [If] the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
  • Amos 2:8

    And they lay [themselves] down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned [in] the house of their god.

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