Keret and more
The Torah explicitly states the punishment of cutting off the head for several offenses, and also death at the hands of Heaven (at least that is how Chazal understood these verses).
There are many who intentionally commit these offenses, and they are not babies who were born, and they and their children live long lives.
How do we explain this? (Yes, the covenant and death are for the world to come, but that is not how Chazal understood it.)
Of course, this question joins the Torah’s promises of reward and punishment in this world, and also the stories of the prophets, which are filled with the message of a connection between the actions of the people of Israel and retribution.
Thanks in advance.
I think no one knows what keret is (Ramban dealt with this, I think, in the chapter on reward, and his embarrassment is evident). Incidentally, there are additional considerations for shortening or extending life. Also, the question is how long would life be without it. Another asked this about the longevity that is written in the Torah commentary (on honoring parents and extending the nest), and even there it does not really apply.
And what about the message that is repeated in the Torah and the prophets: “And it came to pass, if I heard, that I would give you your flesh, and they would pursue you, and they would do evil in the sight of the Lord, and he would send against them, etc.”?
Thank you
I have explained this several times that in these generations there is almost no divine involvement.
See column 243 and many more.
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