Ezekiel 18:8

“He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,”

Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Verse: “He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,” (Ezekiel 18:8, KJV).

Context:The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, written by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. In this particular chapter, Ezekiel is addressing the Israelites and emphasizing personal responsibility for one’s actions before God.

Understanding Usury:The verse begins by mentioning usury, which refers to the practice of lending money with interest. In Old Testament times, charging interest on loans was generally discouraged, especially when lending to fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:36-37; Deuteronomy 23:19-20). This was to prevent exploitation of the poor and to promote fairness in financial dealings.

Avoiding Unjust Gain:The verse highlights two important aspects of righteous living. First, it emphasizes not engaging in usury or taking any increase. This means refraining from exploiting others for personal financial gain. God desires His people to be just and honest in their dealings, showing compassion and fairness rather than exploiting others for personal profit.

Withdrawing from Iniquity:The verse also mentions withdrawing one’s hand from iniquity. This phrase indicates a turning away from sin and wickedness. It encourages individuals to live a life of righteousness, actively choosing to avoid and abstain from evil practices. God calls His people to turn away from sin and pursue a life that reflects His character.

Executing True Judgment:Lastly, the verse speaks of executing true judgment between man and man. This emphasizes the importance of fair and impartial judgment in all aspects of life. God expects His people to act justly and make fair decisions, treating others equitably and without partiality.

Application:

• Financial Integrity:The verse teaches us to be honest and fair in our financial dealings. We should avoid exploiting others for personal gain and seek to treat others justly in financial matters. This principle applies to both lending and borrowing money, reminding us to act with integrity and compassion.
• Personal Holiness:Withdrawing our hand from iniquity reminds us to actively turn away from sin and pursue a life of righteousness. It calls us to examine our actions, thoughts, and attitudes, ensuring that they align with God’s standards. We should strive to live in a manner that pleases God and reflects His character.
• Impartiality and Justice:Executing true judgment encourages us to be fair, impartial, and just in our interactions with others. We should avoid showing favoritism or prejudice, treating all individuals with equity and respect. This principle extends to our decisions, relationships, and the way we treat others in society.

Conclusion:

Ezekiel 18:8 reminds us of the importance of integrity, righteousness, and fair judgment in our lives. It teaches us to avoid exploiting others, turn away from sin, and treat others justly. By living according to these principles, we reflect God’s character and contribute to a more just and compassionate society.