Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them, As I live, said the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked… I. THE GOODNESS OF GOD. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. 1. The very commission which Christ gave to His apostles, and which has been handed down to their successors, proves this. "Go ye into all the world," etc. Tell the vilest, the very chief of sinners, without any reserve or any hesitation, that Christ died for him: that Christ hath redeemed him and all mankind. 2. And this is to be told to men who are living in sin, rebelling and sinning with a high hand against God. 3. Nay, such is the goodness of God, so little pleasure has He in the death of the wicked, that He commissions His ministers to entreat and beseech sinners to return to Him; to come and receive a full and free pardon. 4. We see His goodness yet further illustrated when these invitations are neglected and sinners perish in spite of mercy. 5. The strong and repeated expressions or delight when His warnings are heeded, and His invitations accepted, speak loudly the goodness of God. II. THE SEVERITY OF GOD. It is implied in the text. For though He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, they will die notwithstanding. (R. W. Dibdin, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? |
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