Another interpretation: “As I have hardened his heart” – that is what is written: “I said I will eliminate them [afeihem]” (Deuteronomy 32:26). What is afeihem? I said in my wrath [be’api]: Where are they [ayeh hem]? Alternatively: Afeihem – I said in My wrath [be’af] that they angered Me: Where are they [ayeh hem]? They will be nothing other than: “I will cease their memory from man” (Deuteronomy 32:26). Who caused them to emerge from there? “Were it not that I dreaded the enemy's provocation” (Deuteronomy 32:27).