Ezekiel 18:6 is describing the righteous person, contrasting them with the wicked. Let's break down each phrase:
"and has not eaten on the mountains": This refers to participating in idolatrous sacrifices and feasts held at high places, which were often dedicated to pagan deities. Eating on the mountains symbolized participation in those false worship practices.
"hasn’t lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel": This means the person hasn't looked to or revered the idols that the Israelites were worshipping. It signifies a rejection of idolatry and a commitment to worshipping the true God.
"hasn’t defiled his neighbor’s wife": This is a straightforward prohibition against adultery. It emphasizes sexual fidelity and respect for marriage.
"hasn’t come near a woman in her impurity": This refers to abstaining from sexual relations with a woman during her menstrual cycle, which was considered a time of ritual impurity according to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 15:19-24). While the moral implications of this have been debated over time, in the context of Ezekiel, it represents adherence to the purity laws established by God.
In summary, this verse portrays a righteous individual who:
Avoids idolatry and false worship
Maintains sexual morality
Observes the purity laws of the covenant.
The verse emphasizes that righteous behavior involves both outward actions (avoiding idolatrous practices, respecting marriage and following purity laws) and inward attitudes (refraining from looking at idols with reverence).
Ezekiel 18:6 is describing the righteous person, contrasting them with the wicked. Let's break down each phrase:
"and has not eaten on the mountains": This refers to participating in idolatrous sacrifices and feasts held at high places, which were often dedicated to pagan deities. Eating on the mountains symbolized participation in those false worship practices.
"hasn’t lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel": This means the person hasn't looked to or revered the idols that the Israelites were worshipping. It signifies a rejection of idolatry and a commitment to worshipping the true God.
"hasn’t defiled his neighbor’s wife": This is a straightforward prohibition against adultery. It emphasizes sexual fidelity and respect for marriage.
"hasn’t come near a woman in her impurity": This refers to abstaining from sexual relations with a woman during her menstrual cycle, which was considered a time of ritual impurity according to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 15:19-24). While the moral implications of this have been debated over time, in the context of Ezekiel, it represents adherence to the purity laws established by God.
In summary, this verse portrays a righteous individual who:
Avoids idolatry and false worship
Maintains sexual morality
Observes the purity laws of the covenant.
The verse emphasizes that righteous behavior involves both outward actions (avoiding idolatrous practices, respecting marriage and following purity laws) and inward attitudes (refraining from looking at idols with reverence).