Deu 24:16 | KingComments | STEP | Each one receives the punishment for his own fault and not a descendant ( ; ). There seems to be a contradiction with the statement that the sins of the fathers are visited on the third and fourth generations ( ). The answer is that we must always distinguish the punishment over sin from the consequences of sin. David receives forgiveness, but he cannot escape the consequences of sin ( ). We all too often meet the consequences of the fathers’ sin in the lives of their descendants.

‏ Deuteronomy 24:16

Everyone Dies for His Own Sin

Each one receives the punishment for his own fault and not a descendant (2Kgs 14:6; Eze 18:4 ; 20). There seems to be a contradiction with the statement that the sins of the fathers are visited on the third and fourth generations (Exo 20:5). The answer is that we must always distinguish the punishment over sin from the consequences of sin. David receives forgiveness, but he cannot escape the consequences of sin (2Sam 12:1-13). We all too often meet the consequences of the fathers’ sin in the lives of their descendants.