God’s fairness means each individual is accountable for their own actions.
“But the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Are My ways not right, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are not right?” (v.29). In this passage, the Lord addresses the people’s accusation that His judgment is unfair. Throughout Ezekiel 18, the prophet makes it clear that each person is responsible before God for his own actions, reaffirming the principle that everyone will be punished for his own sins, as also observed in Deuteronomy and Jeremiah. The Lord challenges the nation’s complaint by pointing out that His ways are righteous, and it is instead the people’s stubborn hearts that are leading them astray, echoing the concept of individual agency mentioned by the prophets (see Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:14-20).
In declaring “Is it not your ways that are not right?” (v.29), the Lord calls His people to examine their own conduct rather than blaming Him for their circumstances. This chapter teaches that no one can shift the blame or punishment for sin to a parent, a child, or anyone else. Just as Moses admonished Israel that fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor sons for their fathers (Deuteronomy 24:16), Ezekiel emphasizes that the Lord deals with each person according to his own life choices. Repentance and a transformed heart are always God’s desire, underlining His mercy alongside His justice.
This passage also serves as an invitation for people to turn from their wrongdoing, receive cleansing from the Lord, and live in covenant faithfulness. Though many in exile might suppose they suffer solely for their ancestors’ failures, God patiently reminds them of their personal responsibility and capacity for repentance. Should they humbly surrender to His ways, they will experience the fullness of His righteous compassion.
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Ezekiel 18:29 meaning
“But the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not right.’ Are My ways not right, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are not right?” (v.29). In this passage, the Lord addresses the people’s accusation that His judgment is unfair. Throughout Ezekiel 18, the prophet makes it clear that each person is responsible before God for his own actions, reaffirming the principle that everyone will be punished for his own sins, as also observed in Deuteronomy and Jeremiah. The Lord challenges the nation’s complaint by pointing out that His ways are righteous, and it is instead the people’s stubborn hearts that are leading them astray, echoing the concept of individual agency mentioned by the prophets (see Jeremiah 31:29-30; Ezekiel 18:14-20).
In declaring “Is it not your ways that are not right?” (v.29), the Lord calls His people to examine their own conduct rather than blaming Him for their circumstances. This chapter teaches that no one can shift the blame or punishment for sin to a parent, a child, or anyone else. Just as Moses admonished Israel that fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor sons for their fathers (Deuteronomy 24:16), Ezekiel emphasizes that the Lord deals with each person according to his own life choices. Repentance and a transformed heart are always God’s desire, underlining His mercy alongside His justice.
This passage also serves as an invitation for people to turn from their wrongdoing, receive cleansing from the Lord, and live in covenant faithfulness. Though many in exile might suppose they suffer solely for their ancestors’ failures, God patiently reminds them of their personal responsibility and capacity for repentance. Should they humbly surrender to His ways, they will experience the fullness of His righteous compassion.