Manifold Punishment/2

Taking Double for Her Sins

Exegetical Approaches

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Punished More than Deserved

Sometimes, people are punished more severely than their sins call for.  This position subdivides in how it explains why this is justified:

Natural Order

Since this world is run via natural order, it is possible that the people might receive more than their proper share of retribution.

Vicarious Punishment of Children

Hashem's system of justice allows for the vicarious (or collective) punishment of children for their parent's sins, leading to a descendant suffering

Punishment Less Harsh than Appears

The description of the punishment is exaggerated, making it sound worse than it really is.  As such, in reality, the nation did not suffer more than deserved.

Sin More Egregious than Appears

The sin for which the nation is punished is actually more severe than the verse makes it appear.  As such, the harsh punishment mentioned in the verse is actually deserved.