Published: 2021-07-17

Ways of man’s renewal (Ezek 18,1-32)

Andrzej Sebastian Jasiński OFM
Scriptura Sacra
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.25167/ScrS/4155

Abstract

The subject of the “new man” appears in Ezekiel 18. In the context of captivity the prophet realizes (all of the exiles) that each person is responsible for his actions. “What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel saying, The fathers eat the sour grapes, but the children’s teeth are set on edge? As I live, declares the Lord God, you are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore” (Ezek 18:2-3). Once and for all the idea of the collective responsibility and inheritance of his ancestors’ sins is to be rejected: “Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die” (v. 4). Man is the one who decides of his fate, and is not determined by the acts of the past (sins of the fathers). Ezekiel was the teacher who developed the vision of a new man. Ezek 18. is a one big lesson of renewal of the Israel. The focus of Ezek 18 is the relationship of the individual to Yahweh: “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, declares the Lord God. Therefore, repent and live” (v. 32). The victory of Babylon was not definitive. The world power (the Babylon) was merely a temporary tool in the hands of the Lord. Israel’s contact with an alien civilization was an opportunity to distance themselves from their own way of lives. The people, however, could not be assimilated with the foreign people. Israel had to shape up in its own environment. The Prophet was focused particularly on the matters of education. He directed his message to all of the exiles, but also had in mind the fate of the individuals. Ezekiel assures that everyone decides of their fate: “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you” (v. 30). However, the sum of the benefits of present in the individual believer becomes the basis for creating a new community of Israel, which is able to fulfill the mission in the future era of renewal. The upcoming transition could not be achieved without human transformation. Ezekiel clearly called for change in the name of Yahweh: “make you a new heart and a new spirit” (v. 31).

Keywords:

Ezekiel, Book of Ezekiel, prophet, conversion

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Jasiński OFM, A. S. (2021). Ways of man’s renewal (Ezek 18,1-32). Scriptura Sacra, (21), 105–129. https://doi.org/10.25167/ScrS/4155

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