A question for God...

I’m sure You’ve heard me by now- but in case I forget when I see You, here’s a question for You.. What did you mean when you say in Deut 5:9-10
"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."

Well I know that you love us with a holy jealousy- only appropriate for any lover. And I understand that one is to contrast the few generations of “punishment” to the thousand generations of love.
But why did You say You will punish the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation when you do not mean that? You said through Ezekiel 18:30-32
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

Your justice demands that the child innocent of his father’s sin shall not be punished. Through all of Scriptures it is also clear that “generational curses” are but superstitions. And all the other laws and commandments will also see to it that each man is held responsible for his/her actions. So what did You mean when You say You will punish the children for the sin of the parents?

I can understand the cyclical nature of sin, and how high the probability that the sins of the fathers will be inherited by the children- and therefore the child would be justly punished for their sin as well. So from a practical perspective, I can see how that would happen. But there is no qualification in Your commandment..

Does that mean that these words are not to be taken at face value? And it’s a case of the words being present, but the idea is not? It’s so funny.. I don’t understand why You said it when You did not mean it? To show us the extent of Your jealousy? That there are consequences to turning away from you? To show us the extent of Your compassion? That the grace shown to those who loves your far outweighs the wrath shown to those who turn away?

I'm confused God, help me understand please?