Commentary on Ezekiel Chapters 1-20 John Calvin (continued)
Ezekiel 18
CHAPTER 18
Ezekiel 18:1-4
1. The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
1. Et fuit sermo Iehova, ad me, dicendo,
2. What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
2. Quid vobis? vos proverbiantes proverbium 470 super terram Israel, dicendo, Patres comederunt omphacem, 471 et dentes filiorum obstupescunt.
3. As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
3. Vivo ego, dicit Dominator Iehovah, Si erit vobis amplius 472 qui utatur hoc dicterio 473 in Israele.
4. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that shineth, it shall die.
4. Ecce omnes animae mihi, 474 sicut anima patris sic anima filii mihi. 475 Anima quae peccaverit ipsa morietur.
We may collect from this rebuke that the Jews were perverse interpreters of the best teaching; yea, they purposely reviled the Prophet's expression, and drew it to a contrary meaning. For it, is far commoner than it ought to be among unbelievers, always to take occasion of turning backwards, twisting, distorting, and tearing the teaching of heaven. And at this time we see this impudence increasing greatly in 470That is, "that you use this saying or apothegm." — Calvin. 471Sour grape — I know not why some translate it "the wild vine," for it does not suit. — Calvin.
472Or, "hereafter." — Calvin. 473Or, "utter this proverb." — Calvin. 474That is, "are my own." — Calvin. 475That is, "are my own." — Calvin.