“One who walks in his innocence is a righteous man; fortunate are his sons after him”
^(Mishlei 20:7)
>Metzudat David says, “Fortunate are his sons after his death, for their lineage stands in their merit.”
“One who walks in his innocence” refers to Avraham Avinu. “Fortunate are his sons after him” are his children. Whatever Avraham did for the Ministering Angels, Hashem did for Avraham’s children in the desert (Shemot Rabbah 25:5).
The traits that the righteous man exerted himself to attain become implanted in his children. They will be able to attain them with minimal effort. There are countless instances of Jews who sacrificed their lives for Hashem’s glory. They received the potential for this from Avraham Avinu, who risked his life in Ur Kasdim for the sake of his faith. The ten trials which he faced paved the way for his children after him. When a Jew is drawn to live in the Holy Land, he is experiencing an outcome of Avraham’s challenge to go from his land, as described in parashat Lech Lecha. We have inherited the ability to withstand difficulties from Avraham Avinu, who never questioned Hashem’s acts (Ruach Chaim, Avot 5:3).
Rabbi Dessler writes (Michtav Me’Eliyahu, Volume 1, pg. 13): Imagine two people being brought to justice and sentenced to prison. The judge feels that with rehabilitation, they can live decently, and will not revert to their criminal ways. By having them sit in jail, he is not seeking vengeance, but merely wants them to mend their ways.
Upon investigation, it is discovered that one is the son of upright, law-abiding citizens. All of his relatives are honest. It was only the influence of bad friends which convinced him to sin. If he would live under his father’s guidance, he would remain on the straight and narrow, and not revert to his ways of wickedness. The judge decides on this course of action for him.
But regarding the second man, it is discovered that he has no positive influences in his life. If he does not get his due punishment, he will never refrain from evil. The judge is left with no recourse but to lock him up behind bars.
