John Gill Commentary Ezekiel 18:32

"For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live." — Ezekiel 18:32 (ASV)

For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies
Which is not to be interpreted simply and absolutely, and with respect to all persons afflicted and punished by him; for he does take delight in the exercise of "judgment" and "righteousness", and "laughs" at the "calamity" of wicked men, (Jeremiah 9:24) (Proverbs 1:26) ; but comparatively, as in (Hosea 5:6) . The sense is, that he takes no pleasure in the afflictions, calamities, and captivity of men, which are meant by death here; but rather that they would repent and reform, and live in their own land, and enjoy the good things of it; which shows the mercy and compassion of God to sinners: therefore,
he renews his exhortation, turn [yourselves], and live you ;
or, "you shall live" ^F18 ; I take no delight in your present deaths, your captivity; it would be more agreeable to me would you turn from your evil ways to the Lord your God, and behave according to the laws I have given you to walk by, and so live in your own land, in the quiet possession of your goods and estates.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F18: (wyxw) "et vivetis", Pagninus, Montanus.