Another matter: “This is the matter” – that is what is written: “Are You not from ancient times, Lord my God, my Holy One? We will not die” (Habakkuk 1:12). Until Adam the first man stood and ate of the tree, I would say: Let him not eat from the tree and he will not die, as it is stated: “Are You not from ancient times, Lord my God, my Holy One? We will not die.”
However, because he violated Your command, You brought death upon him to smite people,2Some suggest that the text should say admonish [lehokhiaḥ] rather than smite [lehakot] (see Yefe To’ar). as it is stated: “Lord, You set them for judgment” (Habakkuk 1:12). You decree and say: You shall be sacred to your God,3See Leviticus 21:6. and likewise, “this is the matter that you shall do to them to sanctify them.”
Master of the universe, if you want us to be sacred, rid us of death, as it is stated: “Are You not from ancient times, Lord my God, my Holy One? We will not die.” [God] said to them: It is impossible; “Lord, You set them for judgment.”4Death is a decree that cannot be revoked.