Albert Barnes Commentary Ezekiel 18

The last verse of Ezekiel 17 gives occasion for a declaration of the principle upon which God’s providential dispensations proceed (Ezekiel 17:24), namely, that every individual will be equitably dealt with—a principle that precludes children from either presuming on the father’s merits or despairing on account of the father’s guilt. This chapter is an enlargement of Jeremiah 31:29, and sets forth fully the doctrine of individual responsibility.

Concerning the land of Israel - Rather, “in the land of Israel,” that is, upon Israel’s soil, the last place where such a pagan saying should be expected. The saying was general among the people both in Palestine and in exile; and expressed the excuse with which they ascribed their miserable condition to anyone’s fault but their own - to a blind fate such as the pagan recognized, instead of the discriminating judgment of an All-holy God.

All souls are mine - Man is not simply to ascribe his existence to earthly parents, but to acknowledge as his Father Him who created man in His own image, and who gave and gives him the spirit of life. The relation of father to son is merged in the common relation of all (father and son alike) as sons to their heavenly Father.

Eaten, upon the mountains — At the feast of idols, in contradiction to the command of (Deuteronomy 12:17).

Idols of the house of Israel — Idolatry was so popular that certain idols were counted as belonging to the people of Israel, of whom Yahweh was the true God.

Usury - is the profit exacted for the loan of money, “increase” what is taken for goods; both are forbidden (Leviticus 25:36; Deuteronomy 23:19). The lending of capital at interest for commercial purposes is not considered here. This refers to money lent to a brother in distress.