Eikev 5780

Question: Why does משה interrupt the narrative of חטא העגל with mention of other sins?

Approach: It would seem that the point of this part of the speech is to warn the people that their behaviour will determine their right to success in both conquering the land, as well as staying there thereafter. In that context, משה recalls situations in recent history when things went awry and the negative consequences that they had (including the breaking of the לוחות). In this context, משה then quickly recalls other unsavoury incidents, as a warning.

Only after compeleting the main purpose ofthe rebuke does משה return to the narrative and explain how he managed to save the people's destruction.

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