Thank you for the question on a parent’s sin, “Does the Bible say the sins of the father are visited on the sons to the seventh generation? If so, what is the context and what is this in reference to?”
Deuteronomy 5 says this,”8 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments” (NIV).
The sins of the father may pass down to the third and fourth generation especially regarding idolatry. An Ammonite or Moabite may not enter the Temple to the tenth generation for refusing aid to the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. (Deut. 23:3–6). “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, not even in the tenth generation. 4 For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim[c] to pronounce a curse on you. 5 However, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you. 6 Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them as long as you live” (NIV).
The Scripture reminds the Israelites that if they commit sin, their children will follow in their ways. The kings of the Northern Kingdom is an example as father and son even grand children as they saw their idolatry or wicked way of life and imitate it. Unless God intervene into one’s life, that person will follow in the footsteps of one’s parents. It is difficult to break away from a family practice.
As a grandparent, I have influence on my son and even my grandsons. My sin will or may influence my son and he will influence his sons and his grandsons. Thus four generations may be affected by one’s sin(s). It’s generational transference as psychologist call this pattern.
SUMMARY: Children will walk in the beliefs and practices of their parents unless God intervenes in one’s life.
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