The Gemara says that when a peson punishes a disloyal friend, it is pure punishment. However, when Hash-m punished the snake, and the earth, for being disloyal, he showed mercy in their punishment.
I thought that only man has free choice? Did the snake or the earth "anger" (Hiknit) Hash-m, that we should expect him to "take out His anger" on them? What is the comparison to the person who was angered by a friend?
Thank you!
Q. Reese, Atlanta, GA
Dear Q. Reese
Thanks for your question. First I would distinguish between the snake and the earth. The snake evidently did have some form of free choice. The earth was cursed as a punishment for Adam. His sustenance which comes from the earth will now be more difficult to attain. The main point here is that even when Hash-m curses something, it is not an absolute curse. This is in contrast to a human, who acts differently when he punishes someone.
Kol tuv.
Y. Landy