יחזקאל, פרק י״ד, פסוק כ׳

When sweeping disaster falls upon the world, human nature instinctively looks to the closest family ties for safety. Yet, there are moments of severe judgment where bloodlines offer no shelter. At such times, no individual is immune from the unfolding destruction simply because of who they are related to. Even the greatest and most righteous figures in history, possessing countless merits, cannot extend a shield of protection over their own relatives. Their deep moral standing allows them to survive, but that salvation is strictly personal [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Under normal circumstances, the scales of justice might factor in the goodness of parents to spare a child. However, the severity of this specific decree overrides that standard. The merit of the parents is completely sealed off, rendering it unable to save even their own children [מצודת דוד]. The ultimate reality of such a judgment is absolute isolation. Righteous individuals will secure their own lives through their personal integrity, but they are entirely unable to transfer that spiritual credit to anyone else.