Parashas Bechukosai · tochacha · Passuk 38 · Unit 2
Torah Temimah cites Makkos 24a: Rav’s fear and mitigating readings.
English: Rav feared “you shall perish among the nations.” Rav Pappa: perhaps like a lost object that is sought? Mar Zutra: perhaps like eating cucumbers (part consumed, part left)?
Lexical mitigation derasha.
Even the harshest language can be read as temporary loss or partial consumption, preserving hope.