Why does the Torah insert the La'av of cutting oneself over a deceased person here?
Rashi: Because, like the La'avin concerning sorcery, it was practiced by the Emori'im. 1
Moshav Zekenim (in Pasuk 27): It is placed next to shaving one's beard, to teach us that if one made five scratches with five fingers over one Meis, 2 or one scratch over five Meisim, he is liable five times, just like one who shaves all five corners of the beard.
The question remains however, why the Pasuk did not then insert it before the La'avin in Pasuk 27?
Refer also to 19:28:1.1:1 & 19:28:2:2.
What are the implications of the word "ve'Seret (singular) la'Nefesh Lo Sitnu ... " (See Torah Temimah, note 219)?
Makos, 20b: To teach us that someone who makes five scratches (simultaneously) over a Meis transgresses a La'av for each scratch. 1
What are the implications of the word "ve'Seret la'Nefesh Lo Sitnu ... "?
Makos, 20b #3: It implies that the La'av is confined to someone who cuts himself on account of a deceased relative - but not where he does so because his house collapsed or because his ship sunk.
Makos, 20b #2: "la'Nefesh" in the singular teaches us that someone who makes one scratch for five dead people is Chayav for each person. 1
See Torah Temimah, note 221.
What is the definition of "Kesoves Ka'aka"?
Rashi, Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: It means writing that is sunken (engraved) 1 that can never be erased. 2
Makos, 20b: Refer to 19:28:2.1. And it includes writing with ink, red paintt or anything which leaves a mark.
That one scratches out with a needle before writing in it. Makos, 20b: One is only Chayav if one performs both.
As in Bamidbar 25:4 and in Shmuel 2, 25:6 - with reference to the beam that was sunk into the ground on which they hanged the sevven descendents of Shaul ha'Melech. See Sifsei Chachamim.
Why does the Torah insert "Ani Hashem" here?
Rashi (in Shir ha'Shirim, 5:16): It teaches us that Hashem will reward those who desist from going in the ways of the Emori'im and transgressing these La'avin. 1
Rashi, Ibid: 'Is there anything sweeter to the palate than the fact that Hashem promises reward for simply not cutting oneself up?'.
