Ezekiel 18 · Grade 4
Each Soul Belongs to God
Read and Think
The people of Israel had a proverb: The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. They meant they were suffering only because of their parents' sins, so it was not their fault. God said they would not use this proverb any more. All souls are mine, he said. The soul of the father and the soul of the son both belong to God, and each is responsible for his own choices.
God described a just man. He does not worship idols, he deals truly, he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked, and he walks in God's statutes. He shall surely live. If his son chooses to do wrong, the son cannot hide behind his father's goodness. But if the grandson sees his father's sins and does not do likewise, he will live.
Then God gave the heart of the chapter. If a wicked man turns from all his sins and does what is right, none of his transgressions will be remembered against him. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. The people complained that God's way was not fair, but God answered that their ways were the unfair ones. He called them to cast away their transgressions, make a new heart and a new spirit, and turn and live.
Show What You Know
What were the people saying with the sour grapes proverb?
What does it mean that all souls belong to God?
What happens to a wicked man who turns from his sins?
Why did God say the people's ways were unfair?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- God said they would not use this any more.
- The of the father and the soul of the son both belong to God, and each is responsible for his own choices.
- God described a man.
- He shall surely .
- Then gave the heart of the chapter.
Think About It
It can be easy to blame others for our problems. Why does God want each of us to take responsibility for our own choices?
God takes no pleasure in anyone being lost. How does this show God's heart for people?
Memory Verse
“Cast away from you all your transgressions in which you have transgressed; and make yourself a new heart and a new spirit. For why will you die, house of Israel?”
Ezekiel 18:31 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for the chance to turn and live. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- A good man in this chapter gives bread to the hungry and clothes to those who need them. Who near you could use that kind of help?
- How does it change you to know God wants everyone to turn back?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.