Thought from today’s Bible reading from Ezekiel 44-45.
The following passage discusses the land that was to be allotted to the princes and why such an allotment was to be made.
“‘The prince shall have land on either side of the holy allotment and the property of the city, adjacent to the holy allotment and the property of the city, on the west side toward the west and on the east side toward the east, and in length comparable to one of the portions, from the west border to the east border. This shall be his land for a possession in Israel; so My princes shall no longer oppress My people, but they shall give the rest of the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes.’ Thus says the Lord God, ‘Enough, you princes of Israel; put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop expropriations from My people,’ declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 45:7-9).
The Ten Commandments contained a specific prohibition against stealing (Exodus 20:15). The implication is that in a God-ordered society, personal property rights must be respected. It was not lawful for one man to take from another man.
This passage shows us that this principle extends to human rulers as well. While they were entitled to some compensation for their work, they were not at liberty to take from others whatever they desired. God expects that even civil authorities respect each individual’s right to own property.
Those leaders who deny an individuals’ right to own property, and instead believe that all property belongs to the state and can be confiscated at the leaders’ every whim, God labels as oppressive, unjust, and destructive.
Tomorrow’s reading: Ezekiel 46-48
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
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