Two eagles: Israel was to stay loyal to Babylon, rather than turning to Egypt; God’s righteous justice; a funeral song for Israel’s leaders: Ezekiel 17–19

Demonstrating His grace, God turned the idea of justice on its head, from one of the children paying for their parents’ sins, to something else:

^{Ezekiel 18:4} For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.

Ezekial went on to explain that it wasn’t God’s desire that any should die:

^{Ezekiel 18:23} ‘Do you think that I like to see wicked people die?’ says the Sovereign Lord. ‘Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. If righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.’

And to make it really, really clear, Ezekiel explained that God’s view on it was:

^{Ezekiel 18:30-32} Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!