Chapter Summary

Ethical instructions for Israel in captivity.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 18

1. What is the meaning of the proverb on sour grapes? How might the previous focus on communal groups such as the religious and political leaders be ignored by the individual citizens? How does this proverb correct that thinking?
2. What is the purpose of the three examples in 18:5-18? How might the final example have been surprising to Israel? What encouragement might these examples bring?
3. Give some examples of how sins of the past affect the present? What is the difference between past sins affecting us and past sins bringing guilt? How should we respond to feelings of guilt as a Christian?
4. Why is it not right to judge a person by the sins of a past generation? Gives some examples of this perspective today? How should we respond to sins or a bad reputation in our church's past?
5. Ezekiel 18:23 offers an important message of grace in the midst of such strong language of judgment. How can we use a verse like this to defend the goodness of God from arguments that say he is only cold and condemning? How can we show that God's justice and goodness are connected?
6. How is it that Israel considered God to be unjust? What does the text imply about how Israel felt about their own standing before God?
7. Give some examples of how we place human standards of goodness or justice on God? What is the problem with this thinking? How do we prevent this mischaracterization of God?
8. The theme of repentance is important in 18:30-32. What does repentance mean? Is it merely a mental thing? What are the signs of repentance?
9. How is it possible for Israel to "make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit (ESV)?" What is the purpose of this statement? How can we be encouraged by this statement?
10. What is anticipated by the language of getting a new heart and new spirit? How does the work of Jesus fulfil this?

Key Words/Phrase

Righteousness and wickedness, v. 20.

Characters

God, Ezekiel.

Strong Verse(s)

4, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23, 32.