The Inner Meaning of the Prophets and Psalms #141
141. Internal Meaning of Ezekiel, Chapter 18
1-2 It is said, If the fathers are evil their offspring also are evil;, (2, 11)
3 but the offspring are not condemned on the father's account, but everyone on His own account. (2, 11, 11)
5-9 There are some of the offspring who do not commit evils, or act contrary to the goods and truths of the church, and these are saved. (2, 11, 11)
10-13 It is otherwise with the offspring who commit evils, or act contrary to the goods and truths of the church; these are condemned. (2, 11)
14-17 But He who does not do this is saved, (11, 3)
18 although the fathers are condemned. (2)
19-20 Everyone is dealt with according to His deeds. (2)
21-23 The impious man who is converted is saved, (2)
24 while the pious man, if he becomes impious, is condemned. (2)
25-29 Both are of Divine justice. (2)
30-32 Exhortation to be converted, because the Lord wishes the salvation of all. (2)
Ezekiel 18:5-9
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But if a man is just, and does that which is lawful and right,
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and has not eaten on the mountains, neither has lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither has defiled his neighbor's wife, neither has come near to a woman in her impurity,
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and has not wronged any, but has restored to the debtor his pledge, has taken nothing by robbery, has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;
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he who has not given forth on interest, neither has taken any increase, who has withdrawn his hand from iniquity, has executed true justice between man and man,
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has walked in my statutes, and has kept my ordinances, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, says the Lord Yahweh.
