Another matter: “Carve for yourself” – that is what is written: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose.… a time to be born and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2). From here, our Rabbis, of blessed memory, said: When a woman sits on the birthing stool, she has a ninety-nine percent [chance] of death, and one [percent chance] of life,1The point is that it is a time of great danger. as it is stated: “A time to be born,” which is “a time to die.”
And all of them2All of the following verses should be understood in a similar manner. until you reach: “A time to cast stones” (Ecclesiastes 3:5) – “sacred stones are spilled” (Lamentations 4:1). “And a time to gather stones” (Ecclesiastes 3:5) – “the Lord is the builder of Jerusalem” (Psalms 147:2), “the precious stones of the crown exalted over His land” (Zechariah 9:16).3Thus, “a time to cast stones” alludes to the destruction of Jerusalem, and “a time to gather stones” alludes to its ultimate rebuilding.
Another matter: “A time to cast stones” (Ecclesiastes 3:5) – “the wrath of Moses was enflamed, and he cast [the tablets] from his hands” (Exodus 32:19). “And a time to gather stones” – “carve [pesol] for yourself” – the carving debris [pesolet] is for you; from there Moses became wealthy. The Holy One blessed be He said: By right Moses should receive that debris. Why?
Israel, which was not engaged in mitzvot, I gave them all the goodness of the land of Egypt, as it is stated: “The Lord granted the people favor [in the eyes of the Egyptians, and they lent to them; and they despoiled Egypt]” (Exodus 12:36), and they became wealthy; shall Moses, who was engaged with Joseph’s bones, remain poor?4Moses took Joseph’s bones from Egypt (see Exodus 13:19) and therefore did not have time to borrow valuables from the Egyptians. I will give him the debris so he will become wealthy.