Exodus 16:10 - Divine cloud reveals Hashem's glory

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Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כְּדַבֵּר אַהֲרֹן אֶל־כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּפְנוּ אֶל־הַמִּדְבָּר וְהִנֵּה כְּבוֹד יְהוָה נִרְאָה בֶּעָנָן׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, as Aharon spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

Transliteration

Vay'hi k'daber Aharon el-kol-adat Bnei-Yisra'el vayifnu el-hamidbar vehineh k'vod Adonai nir'ah ba'anan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י כְּדַבֵּ֤ר אַהֲרֹן֙ אֶל־כׇּל־עֲדַ֣ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּפְנ֖וּ אֶל־הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְהִנֵּה֙ כְּב֣וֹד יְהֹוָ֔ה נִרְאָ֖ה בֶּעָנָֽן׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

The Context of Aharon's Speech

The verse (Shemot 16:10) describes the moment when Aharon addressed Bnei Yisrael in response to their complaints about lack of food in the wilderness. According to Rashi, this occurred after the people murmured against Moshe and Aharon (Shemot 16:2-3), prompting Hashem's promise to provide manna. Aharon's role as the intermediary highlights his position as a unifying figure, as noted by the Midrash Tanchuma (Beshallach 20), which emphasizes his gentle and conciliatory nature.

The Appearance of Hashem's Glory

The phrase "כְּבוֹד יְהוָה נִרְאָה בֶּעָנָן" ("the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud") signifies a divine revelation. Ramban explains that this manifestation was a visible sign of Hashem's presence, intended to reassure Bnei Yisrael of His providence. The cloud, a recurring symbol in the Torah (e.g., at Har Sinai and the Mishkan), represents both concealment and revelation—Hashem's hidden yet accessible presence.

The Direction Toward the Wilderness

The people turned toward the wilderness ("וַיִּפְנוּ אֶל־הַמִּדְבָּר"), which the Sforno interprets as an act of anticipation. Having been promised sustenance, they looked expectantly toward the barren desert, demonstrating their fledgling emunah (faith) in Hashem's ability to provide miracles even in the most desolate place. This aligns with the Talmudic teaching (Berachot 35b) that the manna was given to test and refine their trust in divine sustenance.

The Role of the Cloud

Symbol of Divine Guidance: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 25:7) associates the cloud with the Ananei HaKavod (Clouds of Glory) that protected and guided Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness.
Precursor to the Manna: Rashi notes that this cloud heralded the imminent descent of the manna, linking the revelation of Hashem's glory to His direct intervention in their physical needs.
A Lesson in Humility: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the cloud's obscurity teaches that divine providence often operates beyond human comprehension, requiring humility and submission to Hashem's will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud' mean in Exodus 16:10?
A: According to Rashi, this verse describes a visible manifestation of Hashem's presence (the Shechinah) appearing in a cloud. This was a sign of divine approval and reassurance to the Israelites after they complained about food, showing that Hashem would provide for them in the wilderness.

Q: Why did the glory of Hashem appear when Aharon spoke to the people?
A: The Midrash explains that Aharon had a special role as a peacemaker among the Israelites. When he spoke to calm the people during their complaints, Hashem honored his efforts by revealing the divine presence, showing that peaceful communication is valued and rewarded by G-d.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 16:10 about dealing with difficulties?
A: The Talmud teaches that this verse shows how Hashem responds with compassion even when we struggle. Though the Israelites complained, G-d didn't abandon them but instead revealed His glory to reassure them. This teaches us that during challenges, we should maintain faith that Hashem is with us.

Q: Why did the glory appear specifically in the wilderness (midbar)?
A: The Sforno explains that the wilderness represents a place of total dependence on Hashem. By revealing His glory there, Hashem was teaching that even in barren, challenging environments - both physical and spiritual - His presence and providence are always with us when we trust in Him.

Q: How does the cloud appearance in Exodus 16:10 relate to other times clouds appear in the Torah?
A: Rambam explains that clouds frequently symbolize divine revelation in Torah. Just as the cloud at Mount Sinai represented Hashem's presence during revelation, this cloud showed His ongoing guidance during the Israelites' journey. This establishes a pattern of Hashem using visible signs to communicate with His people.