“Who Today Have No Knowledge of Good and Evil”
This statement is the heart of the passage.
God Himself identifies a lack of moral discernment.
The children had not yet reached the same level of understanding and accountability as their parents.
This does not mean they were sinless.
It means they had not knowingly participated in the rebellion that brought judgment upon the nation.
“They Shall Go In There”
The adults would die in the wilderness.
The children would enter the land.
This distinction demonstrates that God does not deal with children in the same manner as accountable adults.
God’s judgment upon the adults was based upon knowing unbelief.
God’s mercy toward the children was connected to their lack of moral accountability.
“To Them I Will Give It”
Notice God’s grace.
The very blessing forfeited by the adults was given to the children.
The children inherited what the adults lost.
This reveals both God’s justice and God’s mercy working together.
The Difference Between Being Born a Sinner and Being Accountable for Sin
Being Born a Sinner
- Inherited from Adam
- Affects all humanity
- Results in a need for salvation
- Explains why every person needs Christ
Being Accountable for Sin
- Requires moral understanding
- Involves knowing right from wrong
- Involves knowingly rejecting truth
- Brings personal responsibility before God