Why is the text redundant? The Dvar Avraham explains that the second part of the pasuk states the reason for the nation’s rebellion. What occurred that catalyzed Klal Yisrael’s corpulence? What transformed them from G-d fearing, decent, refined human beings into ox-like personalities who would reject the yoke of Hashem? The answer lies in the “taf,” the suffix of the words. This letter transforms the word into second person, which implies, you became thick, you became corpulent. Thinking only of yourself, you excluded yourself from the nation. This attitude of exclusivity led to the individuals completely separating themselves from the nation, its persona and its spiritual character. This, in turn, laid the groundwork for them to desert Hashem. When one thinks only of himself, he has not left any space for Hashem.
