Ezekiel 18:32

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth , saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Ezekiel 18:32 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 18:32

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth
Which is not to be interpreted simply and absolutely, and with respect to all persons afflicted and punished by him; for he does take delight in the exercise of "judgment" and "righteousness", and "laughs" at the "calamity" of wicked men, ( Jeremiah 9:24 ) ( Proverbs 1:26 ) ; but comparatively, as in ( Hosea 5:6 ) . The sense is, that he takes no pleasure in the afflictions, calamities, and captivity of men, which are meant by death here; but rather that they would repent and reform, and live in their own land, and enjoy the good things of it; which shows the mercy and compassion of God to sinners: wherefore,
he renews his exhortation, turn [yourselves], and live ye;
or, "ye shall live" ^F18; I take no delight in your present deaths, your captivity; it would be more agreeable to me would you turn from your evil ways to the Lord your God, and behave according to the laws I have given you to walk by, and so live in your own land, in the quiet possession of your goods and estates.

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 (wyxw) "et vivetis", Pagninus, Montanus.

Ezekiel 18:32 In-Context

30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent , and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed ; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die , O house of Israel?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth , saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.