“Our fathers sinned, and are no more; and we bear their iniquities.”
This verse touches on an important topic of personal responsibility for sin. Some people are confused, thinking, for example, that God will judge me for my father’s sin. The Bible is clear that no man is held responsible for another person’s sin. However, we cannot necessarily escape the results of another’s sin. For example, if I do something really stupid and go to prison, my wife and kids will not be legally responsible for my actions. But they will be left managing the remains of what used to be. In other words, they will bear my iniquity.”
This is a great reminder that my actions can have a tremendous negative impact on others, particularly my wife and kids.
Father, please help me to grow in sanctification that my family may rejoice in your blessing and not weep under your discipline. Amen.
This is what is happening in this verse. Folks are living a hard life (rape, torture, etc – see 5:10-15) because generations of Judeans rejected the Lord.
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