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Midrash Tanchuma, Eikev 8

Midrash Aggadah Midrash Tanchuma, Eikev 8 Eikev 8 The Jewish Mythology Team

<b>At that time, the Lord said to me, "Carve out two tablets of stone like the first ones" (Deuteronomy 10:1):</b> This is what the verse stated (Jeremiah 2:20), "For long ago you broke your yoke, tore off your yoke-bands, and yousaid, 'I shall not pass.'" Which is the yoke? The yoke of the angel of death, as stated (Exodus 32:16), "The tablets were God’s work, and the writing was God’s writing, incised (<i>charut</i>) upon the tablets," [meaning] freedom (<i>cherut</i>) from the angel of death. And Rabbi Nechemiah says, "Freedom (<i>cherut</i>) from the exiles." And Rav said, "Freedom (<i>cherut</i>) from the afflictions, which were like the ministering angels, as it is stated (Psalms 82:6), 'I said that you were all powers and children of the Most High.'" But at the time that they did that act [of the golden calf], it is stated (Psalms 82:7), "Yet you will die like a mortal." "And you said, 'I shall not pass.'" Even subjugated, we do what we desire. [So] the Holy One, blessed be He, said to Moshe, "You are the hardest among them. Subjugate yourself first, as it is stated, 'Carve out two tablets of stone.'"

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Midrash Tanchuma, Eikev 8

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