Komentaryong Sumisipi para sa Ezekiel 29:15

The correct interpretation of these words is what Nachmanides writes, i.e. that the word לשמצה is a word denoting “reduction, diminution.” A Biblical parallel is found in Job 4,12: ותקח אזני שמץ מנהו, “my ear caught just a little bit of it.” Another example where the word is used in a similar fashion is Job 26,14: ומה שמץ דבר נשמע בו, “the mere whisper that we perceive of Him.” According to this approach what Moses meant here was that Aaron’s part in the golden calf episode would diminish the ability of the Jewish people to stand up against their adversaries whenever the occasion would arise as they had fewer merits going for them. This same thought is also expressed in Ezekiel 29,15: “I (G’d) shall diminish them so that they shall not rule over the nations.” [The prophet describes the re-emergence of the state of Egypt as a greatly reduced world power. Ed.] Jeremiah 10,24 speaks of a “reduction” in the amount of G’d’s wrath when disciplining the Jewish people.

Now shimtzah according to Onkelos means “evil report,” it being a common term in the language of our Rabbis, such as “a shemetz (a blemish of) descent.”³⁷⁶Pesachim 3b. Perhaps according to their³⁷⁷Onkelos’ and that of the Rabbis, as mentioned above. opinion, that which Scripture states, and mine ear received a ‘shemetz’ thereof,³⁷⁸Job 4:12. also means that his [i.e., Eliphaz the Temanite’s] ear received knowledge of man’s blemish and imperfection, saying, Behold, He putteth no trust in His servants, and His angels He chargeth with folly; how much less them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in dust.³⁷⁹Ibid., Verses 18-19. Similarly, and what ‘shemetz davar’ is heard of Him³⁸⁰Ibid., 26:14. means that of all His ways there is nothing deserving of reproach or censure, but only praise and adoration.
In line with the plain meaning of Scripture shemetz means “little.” Thus [and mine ear received a ‘shemetz’ thereof³⁷⁸Job 4:12. means] that his ear received but a whisper thereof. And what ‘shemetz davar’ is heard of Him³⁸⁰Ibid., 26:14. means that whatever is heard and said about G-d’s strength and His powers, is but a minute amount in relation to the greatness of His deeds. Similarly, l’shimtzah b’kameihem means that Aaron had uncovered the people, thus enabling their enemies to diminish them, for this great sin would lessen them in the eyes of their enemies, or reduce their merits when coming to battle with the enemy, something like that which is said, and I shall diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations,³⁸¹Ezekiel 29:15. or as it is said, O Eternal, correct me, but in measure; not in Thine anger, lest Thou diminish me.³⁸²Jeremiah 10:24.