Romans 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
Some individuals struggle with the issue of collateral damage, for it seems to their minds that only those who were directly responsible should suffer for their choices or decisions. Therefore, there is something that we must be reconciled to, that the very nature of sin is to cause collateral damage. Sometimes collateral damage occurs with the aiders and abettors, but sometimes it could also happen to persons who may have had nothing to do with the decisions made by others.
This is just a fact of life in our fallen world, that we will have to be reconciled to, tough as it may be. Joshua and Caleb were faithful, as they stood firm for the right when the other spies buckled and fell, but Joshua and Caleb had to wander in the deserts for forty years, the same as those who were guilty of rebellion. One of the reasons God strongly cautions us not to sin is because sin has a ripple effect on others, some more, some less.
These ripple effects often reach to the third and fourth generation, if indulged by those who come after in the line of succession. Although many persons in David’s day did not like the idea of taking the census, yet some of them had cherished the same pride which often tends to steal God’s glory. Thus, by partaking of the same spirit as did David, they became guilty by association.
Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!