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Exodus 19:16 - Divine revelation at Sinai.

Exodus 19:16 - שמות 19:16

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי בַיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי בִּהְיֹת הַבֹּקֶר וַיְהִי קֹלֹת וּבְרָקִים וְעָנָן כָּבֵד עַל־הָהָר וְקֹל שֹׁפָר חָזָק מְאֹד וַיֶּחֱרַד כָּל־הָעָם אֲשֶׁר בַּמַּחֲנֶה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mountain, and the sound of a shofar exceeding loud; so that all the people in the camp trembled.

Transliteration

Vayehi bayom hashlishi bihyot haboker vayehi kolot uverakim ve'an kaved al-hahar vekol shofar chazak me'od vayecherad kol-ha'am asher bamachaneh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִי֩ בַיּ֨וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י בִּֽהְיֹ֣ת הַבֹּ֗קֶר וַיְהִי֩ קֹלֹ֨ת וּבְרָקִ֜ים וְעָנָ֤ן כָּבֵד֙ עַל־הָהָ֔ר וְקֹ֥ל שֹׁפָ֖ר חָזָ֣ק מְאֹ֑ד וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃
וַיְהִי֩ בַיּ֨וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י בִּֽהְיֹ֣ת הַבֹּ֗קֶר וַיְהִי֩ קֹלֹ֨ת וּבְרָקִ֜ים וְעָנָ֤ן כָּבֵד֙ עַל־הָהָ֔ר וְקֹ֥ל שֹׁפָ֖ר חָזָ֣ק מְאֹ֑ד וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד כׇּל־הָעָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Third Day and the Revelation at Sinai

The verse describes the dramatic events of the third day at Mount Sinai, marking the culmination of the preparation for Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah). Rashi (Shemot 19:16) explains that the "third day" refers to the third day of the count from when Bnei Yisrael arrived at Sinai, as detailed in the preceding verses. This was the day Hashem had designated for the revelation (Shemot 19:11).

The Thunder, Lightning, and Thick Cloud

The thunder (kolot) and lightning (berakim) symbolize the awe-inspiring nature of the Divine revelation. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 29:3) teaches that the thunder and lightning were not merely natural phenomena but were manifestations of Hashem's presence, designed to instill reverence in the hearts of Bnei Yisrael. The "thick cloud" (anan kaved) represents the concealment of Hashem's full glory, as no human can perceive His essence directly (Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah 1:9).

The Sound of the Shofar

The "sound of a shofar exceeding loud" (kol shofar chazak me'od) holds deep significance. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 26a) explains that this shofar was the same one blown at Mount Sinai—a shofar from the ram of Akeidas Yitzchak, symbolizing the merit of Avraham Avinu's devotion. The Ramban (Shemot 19:16) adds that the shofar's sound grew progressively louder to signify the increasing intensity of the Divine revelation.

The People's Trembling

The trembling of the people (vayechrad kol ha'am asher bamachaneh) reflects their profound awe and recognition of the moment's sanctity. The Mechilta (Yitro, Massechta DeBaChodesh 4) explains that their fear was not merely from the physical phenomena but from the overwhelming awareness of standing before the Divine Presence. This trembling was a necessary preparation for receiving the Torah with the proper reverence.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • The revelation at Sinai was a unique, awe-inspiring event that established the covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.
  • The thunder, lightning, and shofar served as physical manifestations of the spiritual intensity of Matan Torah.
  • The people's trembling teaches the importance of yiras Shamayim (awe of Heaven) when approaching Torah and mitzvos.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the revelation at Mount Sinai and the awe-inspiring nature of the event, particularly focusing on the sound of the shofar and the people's reaction.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 26a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the types of sounds produced by the shofar, emphasizing the powerful and terrifying sound described in this verse as an example of the shofar's impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 19:16 describe?
A: Exodus 19:16 describes the dramatic scene at Mount Sinai on the third day of preparation, when Hashem revealed Himself to the Jewish people. There were thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and a very loud shofar blast, causing the entire nation to tremble in awe. This was the lead-up to the giving of the Torah.
Q: Why was there thunder and lightning at Mount Sinai?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the thunder and lightning at Mount Sinai were meant to inspire awe and reverence in the Jewish people as they prepared to receive the Torah. The dramatic display emphasized the gravity and holiness of the moment when Hashem would speak to them directly.
Q: What is the significance of the shofar blast in Exodus 19:16?
A: The loud shofar blast, as explained in the Talmud (Shabbat 88b), symbolized the divine revelation and was a call to the Jewish people to awaken spiritually. The shofar is also connected to the future redemption, hinting that accepting the Torah at Sinai is linked to our ultimate purpose as a nation.
Q: Why did the people tremble at Mount Sinai?
A: The people trembled out of profound awe and fear of Hashem’s presence, as explained by Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah). This reaction was appropriate when experiencing the overwhelming holiness of divine revelation. It teaches us the importance of approaching Torah study and mitzvot with reverence.
Q: How does Exodus 19:16 relate to Shavuot?
A: Exodus 19:16 describes the lead-up to Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), which we commemorate on Shavuot. The thunder, lightning, and shofar remind us of the awe-inspiring moment when the Jewish people entered into their covenant with Hashem, making Shavuot a time of reaccepting the Torah with joy and commitment.