Ezekiel chapter 18

vs 1

As is to be expected by now.

vs 2

I assume the proverb means the parents do something, the children reap the results of it.

vs 3

Ahh yes, because God plans on making the results come home to roost for this generation of parents.

vs 4

I will point out that this is normative - in that everyone dies. But direct correlation is not normative, even here. God is punishing these people for the sins of generations that have heaped up. Now, if they'd been righteous too, he might have held back, but they're not.

vs 5

Oh, speaking of righteous people.

vs 6

All just rules relating to cleanliness and purity and following Mosaic law.

vs 7

So he's also kind to the poor and needy.

vs 8

Fairness and justice, and also assistance. Anyone can lend money to the poor. It's lending money without getting a profit that's the key to helping someone.

vs 9

So even if there is a righteous person, he shouldn't fear, for God will spare him. Well, he will live. "Spare him" may be too generous a term. The thing is, God can pick the righteous people... if there are any.

vs 10

Oh dear, now we're upping the ante a little. What will it mean for the righteous man with the violent son?