Ezekiel 18:23
Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005
እኔ በክፉ ሰው ሞት የምደሰት ይመስላችኋልን? አይደለም፤ እኔ ደስ የሚለኝ ስለ ኃጢአቱ ንስሓ ገብቶ በሕይወት በሚኖር ሰው ነው፤ ይላል ልዑል እግዚአብሔር።
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Ezekiel 18:23 states that God does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked but wants them to turn from their evil ways and live. God is speaking, emphasizing his desire for people to repent and be saved rather than face judgment.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you had a friend who always made bad choices, like not sharing toys or being mean to others. God is saying he doesn't want your friend to get in trouble forever; instead, he wants your friend to change and be kind, so they can be happy and safe.
Historical Background
Ezekiel wrote this verse during the Babylonian exile around 593-571 BCE. The audience was the Israelites who were in exile. The cultural setting was one of despair and questioning God's justice and mercy, which Ezekiel addresses in his prophesies.
Living It Out Today
Consider a scenario where someone in your community is known for making harmful decisions. This verse encourages you to see them not as beyond redemption but as someone who, with a change of heart and direction, can turn to a path of righteousness and live a fulfilling life.
Topics
repentanceforgivenesssalvationjudgmentdivine mercyhope
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'die' mean in Ezekiel 18:23?
'Die' in this context refers to both physical death and spiritual death. It signifies a state of separation from God, which is worse than physical death. God prefers that the wicked turn from their ways to avoid both physical and spiritual death.
How does this verse apply to forgiveness?
This verse shows that God's nature is to forgive and not to punish. It encourages believers to extend forgiveness to others, just as God is eager to forgive those who repent and turn from their wicked ways.
What is the importance of this verse in understanding God's mercy?
This verse is crucial in understanding God's mercy because it clarifies that God desires the salvation and well-being of all people, not their condemnation. It emphasizes God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent.
Why is this verse significant for those who feel condemned?
This verse is significant because it assures those who feel condemned that God desires their repentance and restoration. It encourages individuals to seek God’s mercy and to trust in His desire for their redemption and a new life.