Ezekiel 18:8 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

Usury - literally, biting х neshek (H5392)]; because usury bites and consumes a man's substance and the man himself. The law forbad the Jew to take interest from brethren, but permitted him to do so from a foreigner (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19-20; Nehemiah 5:7; Psalms 15:5). The letter of the law was restricted to that Jewish polity, and is not binding now; and, indeed, the principle of taking interest was even then sanctioned by its being allowed in the case of a foreigner. The spirit of the law still binds us, that we are not to take advantage of our neighbour's necesssities to enrich ourselves, but be satisfied with moderate, or even no interest, in the case of the needy.

Neither hath taken any increase - in the case of other kinds of wealth; as "usury" refers to money (Leviticus 25:36). Withdrawn his hand from iniquity. Where he has the opportunity, and might find a plausible plea for promoting his own gain at the cost of a wrong to his neighbour, he keeps back his hand from what selfishness prompts.

Hath executed true judgment - justice.

Ezekiel 18:8

8 He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,