“The Lord God said to the serpent: Because you did this…” – “A contrary man incites strife, and a malcontent distances the ruler” (Proverbs 16:28). “A contrary man” – this is the serpent who stated contrary matters about His Creator. “And a malcontent” – as it voiced grievances against its Creator, saying [to the woman:] “You will not die” (Genesis 3:4). “Distances the ruler” – as it alienated the Ruler of the world, and was immediately cursed.
“The Lord God said to the serpent…” – with Adam He had a discussion,3Before cursing him. with Eve He had a discussion, but with the serpent, He did not have any discussion. Rather, the Holy One blessed be He said: ‘This serpent is a wicked one, with all the answers. If I say something to it, now it will say to me: You commanded them, and I commanded them. Why did they forsake your command and follow my command?’ Instead, He summarily issued his sentence.