Chapter xviii.
Again the Word of the Lord came unto the Prophet. The contents of this
chapter are, therefore, not "the reasonings and expostulations of
Ezekiel," but another great message to the stubborn nation, which
constantly tried to justify itself. Judgments heavy and severe had come
upon them. Instead of bowing under them and confessing their guilt and
the justice of all these punitive dealings of a righteous God, they
accused Him of injustice, as if He were punishing them, not for their
own sins, but for the sins of their fathers. They said, "the way of the
Lord is not equal"; and the Lord proves to them that His way is equal,
but their way is unequal (verse 25). It is a great and interesting
controversy, ending with the sublime declaration and appeal, "I have no
pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God, wherefore
turn yourselves and live."