[SJackson]

I see F15Eagle and ckilmer have given you citations. I couldn't find the original reference on the thread so I don't know the context, but I'll note that per Rashi the Exodus references relate to iniquity and willful sin. Willful, knowledgeable, and rebellious acts done to satisfy base desires, as well as to anger God. Consider both verses relate to idolatry. Specific circumstances at a specific time, I wouldn't suggest your sins impact your descendents to the fourth generation.

[MEGoody]

Consider both verses relate to idolatry.

I would agree, if you consider 'idolatry' to be any belief that puts anyone or anything in a position of authority rather than God (not necessarily just the actual bowing down to an idol). I recently read an essay by an Orthodox Jew who believed that was how the ancient Israelites viewed it.

I wouldn't suggest your sins impact your descendents to the fourth generation.

We can debate what this verse means, but it would take us off on another direction from the current discussion. To help you with context, ckilmer originally claimed the men in this article who asked for forgiveness were dead in their sins, and that was supposedly shown because they asked for forgiveness on behalf of previous generations. There is ample precedent in the bible for that being a right and proper thing to do, and that was what I had pointed out to ckilmer.