What is the definition of Ezekiel 14:20? ๐ ๐
Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.
Explanation:
Okay, letโs break down this verse from Ezekiel 14:20. Itโs a really interesting and somewhat surprising one! Hereโs a simple explanation:
The Basic Idea:
This verse is about God's plan for those who are truly righteous โ people who live in a way that pleases Him. It speaks of a specific group of people being spared from harm, while others face significant consequences.
Letโs unpack it part by part:
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โThough Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in itโฆโ
- This sets the scene. It's talking about a specific group of individuals โ Noah, Daniel, and Job โ who were all deeply troubled and facing difficult situations. Theyโre ๐involved๐ in something that will be challenging for them.
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โโฆas I live, saith the Lord GODโฆโ
- This is where it gets significant. God is saying ๐He๐, the Lord God, is overseeing this situation.
๐
โthey shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.โ
โ This is the core of the verse. Itโs a very strong statement about what happens to these people.
๐
"neither son nor daughter"
: This means ๐all๐ of them, regardless of their gender or social status.
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โbut deliver their own soulsโ
: This is the key part. God isn't just protecting them from physical harm โ heโs safeguarding their very lives and spiritual well-being.
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"by their righteousness"
: This is crucial. It means they will be saved not by ๐merely๐ doing good deeds, but by living a life that aligns with Godโs standards of right and wrong. It's about being honest, just, and faithful to Him.
What does it mean in a broader sense?
This verse is often interpreted as a warning against complacency or moral laxity. It suggests that true righteousness isn't just about following rules; itโs about consistently living a life of integrity and obedience to Godโs will. It emphasizes that God values those who ๐truly๐ live in accordance with His character above all else.
Why is this verse important?
This passage highlights the importance of:
๐
Living a righteous life:
It's not enough to just ๐say๐ you're good; you must ๐do๐ good, and do it consistently.
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Godโs judgment:
It warns that those who donโt live righteously will face consequences, but God is ultimately in control and will reward those who follow His path.
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Do you want me to:
๐ Explain this verse further with a specific example?
๐ Discuss the context of the story of Noah, Daniel, and Job?
๐ Connect it to other Bible stories or teachings?