Divine Justice for Those Under Twenty: A Heavenly Perspective

[Rabbi Elazar said to his father Rabbi Shimon: You have stated that the heavenly court does not punish a person until they are twenty years old. This raises a question: What about those who depart from this world between the ages of thirteen and twenty, an age not yet subject to heavenly punishment?

The explanation is this: Below thirteen, a person is not subject to punishment by earthly courts; their sins might lead to consequences for their parents. Therefore, a child may die for the parent's sins while still under their domain.

But for those who die between thirteen and twenty, having left their parents' domain, which court punishes them for their sins resulting in death?

Rabbi Shimon replied: It is revealed before Hashem that if he were to grow, he would sin further. Thus, Hashem mercifully allows him to die free of sin, rewarding him in the world to come for his mitzvot in this world. Better this than to grow, sin, and face punishment in the afterlife. Hashem desires goodness for His creations].

(Zohar Pekudei 248b: Chapter Sweet as Honey, pg. 342).

What is the fate of a wicked person under twenty?

Rabbi Elazar further asked Rabbi Shimon: You explained that someone might die without sin to prevent future transgressions, but what about a wicked individual who sins and deserves death for those sins and dies between thirteen and twenty?

Rabbi Shimon replied: This wicked person experiences what is written: "Some are carried off without justice" (Proverbs 13:23). This means that although Hashem operates with mercy, when mercy withdraws, the wicked is judged without prolonging divine patience.

As he elaborated: When divine punishment descends due to the sins of the wicked, a person under twenty who sins may encounter the angel of destruction accidentally and be punished. Not judged by either earthly or heavenly courts, this occurs because divine protection is removed due to his sins. Thus, the angel of death can take him.

As it is written: "His own sins will trap the wicked" (Proverbs 5:22). The word "his" extends to those under twenty, worthy of punishment, yet trapped by their sins and caught by the angel of destruction. Because of divine protection's removal, sins ensnare him, not the heavenly court's decision. Instead, his transgressions themselves become his accusers and exact retribution.

(Tikkunei Zohar 81 Tikkun 40, Chapter Sweet as Honey, pg. 154-155)