Why Israel Endures the Curses and Stands Before God

What is written above on the matter (in Deuteronomy 29:1)? "Then Moses summoned all [the elders of] Israel [and said unto them]: You have seen…," (and in 29:2) "the great trials…," (and in 29:6) "and you came unto this place…." Now in your case, for what reason were you not destroyed? For you did not heed my voice, and you uttered before me words for which you were liable to destruction, yet I did not make an end of you, as it is said (in Psalms 106:7): "Our ancestors in Egypt did not consider Your wonders…." And not only that, but you said of the calf (in Exodus 32:4): "This is your God, O Israel." And if you should say: For what reason are the nations of the world liable to destruction, while we remain standing? It is because, when afflictions come upon them, they kick against them and do not recognize the name of the Holy One, as it is said (in Psalms 79:6): "Pour out Your wrath upon the nations that have not known You…." But Israel, when afflictions come upon them, submit, as it is said (in Psalms 116:3–4): "I found trouble and sorrow, but I shall call upon the name of the LORD." Therefore the Holy One said: Even though the curses come upon you, they themselves are what cause you to stand. And so it says (in Deuteronomy 8:16): "in order to humble you and in order to test you, to do you good in your end." Thus did Moses say to Israel: Even though afflictions come upon you, you have a standing. Therefore it is said: "You are standing."