33:16 33:16

Ezekiel 33:17

33:18 33:18

Bible Versions

Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
Yet the children {H1121} of thy people {H5971} say {H559}, The way {H1870} of the Lord {H136} is not equal {H8505}: but as for them, their way {H1870} is not equal {H8505}.
"Now your people say, 'Adonai's way isn't fair!' But it is their way, theirs, that isn't fair!
Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just.
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.

Ezekiel 33:17 presents a direct confrontation between God's perfect justice and the flawed human perception of it, particularly from the perspective of the exiled Israelites.

Context

This verse is situated within a critical section of the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet is commissioned as a watchman for the house of Israel. Following the fall of Jerusalem, the people in exile were often despondent and inclined to blame God for their suffering, frequently referencing the sins of their ancestors. In Ezekiel 33:10, they lament, "Our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we pine away in them; how should we then live?"

God's response, through Ezekiel, emphasizes individual responsibility and the opportunity for repentance. He declares that He takes "no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live." The verses immediately preceding Ezekiel 33:17 (Ezekiel 33:12-16) illustrate this principle: a righteous person who turns to sin will die, and a wicked person who turns from sin will live. It is against this backdrop of shifting accountability and God's merciful yet just system that the people's complaint arises.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice vs. Human Perception: The core tension is between God's absolute righteousness and the people's accusation that "The way of the Lord is not equal." This highlights how human suffering or perceived unfairness can lead to questioning divine character.
  • Hypocrisy and Self-Deception: God immediately refutes their claim by stating, "but as for them, their way is not equal." This exposes the people's hypocrisy; they accuse God of injustice while failing to acknowledge their own unequal, unrighteous conduct. They are quick to judge God but unwilling to examine themselves.
  • Individual Accountability: This verse reinforces a major theme throughout Ezekiel, particularly in chapter 18, that each person is accountable for their own choices and actions, not solely for the collective sins of the nation or ancestors. God's judgment is based on current behavior. See Ezekiel 18:20 for further emphasis.
  • God's Unchanging Standard: Despite human accusations, God's standards of justice remain consistent and perfect. It is human behavior that fluctuates and is found wanting.

Linguistic Insights

The key Hebrew word translated "equal" in this verse is takan (תָּכַן), which means "to weigh," "to measure," "to make level or straight," or "to be just and balanced." When the people complain that "the way of the Lord is not equal," they are essentially accusing God of having unbalanced scales, of not being fair or straight in His dealings. God's swift retort, "their way is not equal," turns the accusation back on them, indicating that it is their own actions and judgments that are imbalanced and unjust.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 33:17 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Examine Our Own Hearts: Before we are quick to question God's fairness in our lives or in the world, this verse prompts us to first examine our own ways. Are our actions, attitudes, and judgments truly "equal" or righteous?
  • Trust God's Perfect Justice: Even when circumstances are difficult or seem unfair, we are called to trust that God's ways are always perfectly just and righteous, even if we cannot fully comprehend them. His perspective is eternal and complete, unlike our limited human view. Deuteronomy 32:4 affirms God as a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.
  • Embrace Personal Responsibility: We cannot blame God for our own failures or the consequences of our choices. This verse underscores the importance of taking personal accountability for our spiritual walk and moral conduct.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 25:24

    Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

  • Matthew 25:26

    His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

  • Ezekiel 18:29

    Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?

  • Ezekiel 18:25

    Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

  • Ezekiel 33:20

    Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

  • Job 35:2

    Thinkest thou this to be right, [that] thou saidst, My righteousness [is] more than God's?

  • Job 40:8

    Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
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