25 And ye have said, Not pondered is the way of the Lord. Hear, I pray you, O house of Israel, My way—is it not pondered? Are not your ways unpondered? 26 In the turning back of the righteous from his righteousness, And he hath done perversity, And he is dying by them, for his perversity That he hath done he dieth. 27 And in the turning back of the wicked From his wickedness that he hath done, And he doth judgment and righteousness, He his soul doth keep alive. 28 And he seeth and turneth back, From all his transgressions that he hath done, He doth surely live, he doth not die, 29 And the house of Israel have said, Not pondered is the way of the Lord, My ways—are they not pondered? O house of Israel—are not your ways unpondered?
30 Therefore, each according to his ways I judge you, O house of Israel? An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, Turn ye back, yea, turn yourselves back, From all your transgressions, And iniquity is not to you for a stumbling-block, 31 Cast from off you all your transgressions, By which ye have transgressed, And make to you a new heart, and a new spirit, And why do ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of the dying, An affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, And turn ye back and live!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 18:25-32
Commentary on Ezekiel 18:21-29
(Read Ezekiel 18:21-29)
The wicked man would be saved, if he turned from his evil ways. The true penitent is a true believer. None of his former transgressions shall be mentioned unto him, but in the righteousness which he has done, as the fruit of faith and the effect of conversion, he shall surely live. The question is not whether the truly righteous ever become apostates. It is certain that many who for a time were thought to be righteous, do so, while 28 is the beginning and progress of repentance. True believers watch and pray, and continue to the end, and they are saved. In all our disputes with God, he is in the right, and we are in the wrong.
Commentary on Ezekiel 18:30-32
(Read Ezekiel 18:30-32)
The Lord will judge each of the Israelites according to his ways. On this is grounded an exhortation to repent, and to make them a new heart and a new spirit. God does not command what cannot be done, but admonishes us to do what is in our power, and to pray for what is not. Ordinances and means are appointed, directions and promises are given, that those who desire this change may seek it from God.