Ezekiel 18:8

He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men.

Study Bible

He does not lend at interest
The Hebrew word for "interest" is "נֶשֶׁךְ" (neshek), which literally means "a bite." This term is used to describe the practice of charging interest on loans, which was prohibited among the Israelites when lending to fellow countrymen (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36-37). The imagery of a "bite" suggests the harmful and consuming nature of usury, which can lead to the financial ruin of the borrower. In a historical context, this prohibition was intended to promote community solidarity and prevent the exploitation of the poor. From a conservative Christian perspective, this principle underscores the importance of compassion and fairness in financial dealings, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

or take a profit
The phrase "take a profit" refers to the Hebrew word "תַּרְבִּית" (tarbit), which is often translated as "increase" or "usury." This reinforces the idea of refraining from exploiting others for personal gain. In ancient Israel, the economic system was designed to ensure that wealth did not become concentrated in the hands of a few, but rather circulated within the community to support all its members. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to act with generosity and selflessness (Luke 6:34-35). The call to avoid taking unfair profit serves as a reminder to prioritize relationships and community welfare over personal enrichment.

he withholds his hand from injustice
The phrase "withholds his hand" suggests a deliberate and conscious choice to refrain from engaging in wrongful acts. The Hebrew word for "injustice" is "עָוֶל" (avel), which encompasses a broad range of unethical behaviors, including deceit, oppression, and violence. In the context of Ezekiel's message, this highlights the responsibility of individuals to actively resist participating in or perpetuating systems of injustice. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this aligns with the biblical call to pursue righteousness and uphold God's standards of holiness and integrity in all aspects of life.

and executes true justice between men
The term "true justice" is derived from the Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which signifies a fair and equitable judgment or decision. This concept is central to the biblical understanding of justice, which is rooted in God's character and His covenant with His people. The call to "execute true justice" emphasizes the importance of impartiality and fairness in resolving disputes and maintaining social harmony. Historically, this was a key responsibility of leaders and judges in Israel, who were expected to reflect God's justice in their rulings. For Christians, this serves as a model for how believers are to engage with the world, advocating for truth and justice in accordance with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel conveyed God's messages to the Israelites, emphasizing personal responsibility and repentance.

2. Israelites
The original audience of Ezekiel's prophecies, they were in exile due to their disobedience to God, and Ezekiel's messages often called them to repentance and righteousness.

3. Babylonian Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, serving as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecies and emphasizing the need for a return to God's laws.

Teaching Points

Righteous Financial Practices
Christians are called to conduct their financial dealings with integrity, avoiding exploitation and usury, reflecting God's justice and compassion.

Personal Responsibility
Each individual is accountable for their actions. Ezekiel emphasizes that righteousness involves active choices to do what is just and fair.

Justice in Relationships
True justice involves fairness and equity in all relationships, whether personal, professional, or communal. Believers are encouraged to be advocates for justice in their communities.

God's Standard of Justice
God's justice is not merely legalistic but is rooted in love and compassion. Christians are to model this divine justice in their interactions with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel 18:8 challenge our modern understanding of financial practices, and what changes might we need to make to align with biblical principles?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions reflect true justice in our daily interactions with others?

3. How does the concept of personal responsibility in Ezekiel 18:8 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to advocate for justice in our communities, inspired by the principles in Ezekiel 18:8?

5. How can we balance the pursuit of justice with the call to show mercy and compassion, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25:35-37
This passage outlines God's command to the Israelites not to charge interest to their fellow countrymen, reinforcing the principle of fairness and compassion in financial dealings.

Proverbs 22:22-23
These verses warn against exploiting the poor and emphasize God's justice, aligning with Ezekiel's call for true justice.

Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus' teaching on the final judgment highlights the importance of justice and mercy, echoing the principles found in Ezekiel 18:8.