Why the Word Devarim Always Signals Rebuke in Scripture

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Ki Tisa 17:4

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation (of Exodus 34:27): WRITE DOWN FOR YOURSELF THESE WORDS (devarim). In every place where "word" (davar), "words of" (divrei), and "words" (devarim) are said, they are rebukes. It is written (in Hosea 1:1): THE WORD OF (devar) THE LORD THAT CAME TO HOSEA. What is written there (in verse 9)? FOR YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE. It is written (in Jeremiah 1:1): THE WORDS OF (divrei) JEREMIAH. What is written there (in Jeremiah 15:2)? THE ONE WHO IS FOR DEATH, TO DEATH. It is written there (in Deuteronomy 1:1): THESE ARE THE WORDS (devarim). What is written there (in Deuteronomy 32:24)? WASTED WITH HUNGER, etc.

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