Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Derfor skal Jeg dømme dere, Israels folk. Hver og en skal dømmes etter sine handlinger. Vend om! Slutt med alle syndene deres. La ikke syndene føre dere inn i døden. Kast alt dere har gjort galt, alle deres lovbrudd mot Herrens lover og regler, kast dem fra dere. Få dere et nytt hjerte og en ny ånd! Hvorfor skulle dere dø, dere Israels folk? Jeg har da ikke glede av noens død. Slutt og synd og lev rett, så skal dere leve!»
What Does This Mean?
In Ezekiel 18:30, God is speaking to the Israelites, warning them that He will judge each person based on their actions. He encourages them to repent and turn away from all their sins, so that these wrongdoings will not lead to their downfall.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who tells you that they will only give you a high-five if you've been nice to others. God is like that friend who says, 'If you stop being mean and do good things, I'll be happy with you and you won't get into trouble.'
Historical Background
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel around 593-571 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. The message aimed to encourage repentance and hope for restoration, reflecting the cultural context of divine judgment and mercy.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could involve a student who has cheated on tests. Instead of continuing the cycle of deceit, the student can decide to stop cheating, admit to the wrongdoing, and work hard to earn good grades honestly.
God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, addressing the Israelites and warning them about judgment and the need for repentance.
What does 'repent' mean in this context?
To repent means to turn away from sin and turn towards God. It involves acknowledging wrongdoing and making a sincere effort to change one's ways.
How can this verse be applied to personal decisions?
This verse can encourage individuals to make choices that align with God's will, avoiding sin and seeking to live a righteous life to avoid negative consequences.
What is the significance of God judging according to one's ways?
It emphasizes individual responsibility for actions. God's judgment is fair, based on the choices and behaviors of each person, encouraging personal accountability.