In Exodus 20:5, 6 where the Lord is giving the Ten Commandments, he says
"for I am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the
children, on the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but
showing livingkindness to thousands, to those who love me and keep my
commandments."
I have heard it said that "thousands" refers to thousands of generations.
That makes more sense than thousands of individuals. If that is correct,
then perhaps we can extend human history to several thousand generations.
Just a thought.
Bill Hamilton | Vehicle Systems Research
GM R&D Center | Warren, MI 48090-9055
810 986 1474 (voice) | 810 986 3003 (FAX)
hamilton@gmr.com (office) | whamilto@mich.com (home)