Ezekiel 7:13
For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:8-55) occurred every 50 years and included land returning to original owners, debt forgiveness, and release of Hebrew servants. This system prevented permanent economic inequality and maintained tribal land allotments given by Joshua.
By Ezekiel time, there is little evidence the Jubilee was actually practiced. Social stratification had increased, with wealthy landowners consolidating property and dispossessing small farmers. Isaiah and Micah had earlier condemned this practice of joining house to house and field to field (Isaiah 5:8).
The exile would make Jubilee impossible—there would be no land to return to, as Babylon had conquered it. Even after the 538 BC return under Cyrus, many did not go back, and those who did faced different political realities under Persian rule. The pre-exilic social and economic order was permanently disrupted.
This verse would have been devastating to hear, as it announced the end of covenant protections that had defined Israelite society for centuries. It signaled not just military defeat but the unraveling of the covenantal fabric of national life.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the suspension of Jubilee laws teach about the conditionality of covenant blessings?
- How does this passage challenge presumption upon God grace while living in disobedience?
- In what ways did economic injustice contribute to Israel covenant violation?
- How does Christ fulfill the true Jubilee that earthly Israel failed to maintain?
- What warning does this give to churches that claim covenant promises while tolerating sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. This verse addresses the Year of Jubilee laws being nullified by coming judgment. Normally, land sold during economic hardship would return to original families in the Jubilee year, but Ezekiel prophesies this restoration will not occur.
The seller shall not return to that which is sold indicates the Babylonian exile will make Leviticus 25 provisions impossible. The covenant blessings that protected Israelite family inheritance are being suspended due to covenant violation. This is not merely political catastrophe but theological crisis—God covenant mechanisms are being dismantled because the people have already broken covenant.
Although they were yet alive emphasizes that even survivors will not see restoration. The vision is touching the whole multitude confirms this judgment is comprehensive, affecting entire nation. Which shall not return uses the same Hebrew root as return from exile, creating wordplay—there will be no return to the land or to normal covenant life.
Neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life warns that wickedness provides no security. Those who grew powerful through oppression and injustice will find their ill-gotten gains provide no protection. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that covenant blessings cannot be presumed upon while living in covenant rebellion. God is sovereign over both blessing and curse.