Ezekiel, Chapter 18 - The Judgement of Fathers and Sons

Ezekiel, chapter 18 is an important chapter in which ezekiel challenges a popular saying. After challenging this saying, he faces two responses. Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father? The simplistic opposition of collective and individual divine judgment underlie claims that ezekiel is making an innovation here. In reality, the scriptural doctrine of judgment, both human and divine, was a very sophisticated one with pronounced collective and individual dimensions. For good or ill, the fate of the king had profound ramifications for the entire nation. Under the devidic covenant, hang like the sword of damocles over future generations.