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Exodus 24:3 - Unity in accepting Torah

Exodus 24:3 - שמות 24:3

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא מֹשֶׁה וַיְסַפֵּר לָעָם אֵת כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה וְאֵת כָּל־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים וַיַּעַן כָּל־הָעָם קוֹל אֶחָד וַיֹּאמְרוּ כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה נַעֲשֶׂה׃

English Translation

And Moshe came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord has said will we do.

Transliteration

Va'yavo Moshe va'yesaper la'am et kol-divrei Adonai ve'et kol-hamishpatim, va'ya'an kol-ha'am kol echad va'yomru kol-hadevarim asher-diber Adonai na'aseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֣א מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיְסַפֵּ֤ר לָעָם֙ אֵ֚ת כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת כׇּל־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים וַיַּ֨עַן כׇּל־הָעָ֜ם ק֤וֹל אֶחָד֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֛ים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃
וַיָּבֹ֣א מֹשֶׁ֗ה וַיְסַפֵּ֤ר לָעָם֙ אֵ֚ת כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וְאֵ֖ת כׇּל־הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים וַיַּ֨עַן כׇּל־הָעָ֜ם ק֤וֹל אֶחָד֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֛ים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Unity of Klal Yisrael in Accepting the Torah

The verse describes how Moshe conveyed Hashem's words and mishpatim (judgments) to Bnei Yisrael, and their unified response: "All the words which the Lord has said will we do". Rashi (Shemot 24:3) emphasizes that the people answered "with one voice"—demonstrating complete unity, unlike the discord that often accompanies human agreements. The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that this moment reflects the ideal state of Knesses Yisrael, where all Jews were "like one person with one heart" at Har Sinai.

The Significance of "Na'aseh" (We Will Do)

The declaration "Na'aseh" (we will do) is foundational in Jewish thought. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) famously teaches that when Bnei Yisrael prioritized "Na'aseh" over "Nishma" (we will hear/understand), heavenly angels crowned them with two crowns for their unconditional acceptance of the mitzvos. Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) explains that this demonstrated their complete bitachon (trust) in Hashem, accepting His commandments even before fully comprehending them.

The Dual Transmission: "Divrei Hashem" and "Mishpatim"

Moshe relayed two categories:

  • Divrei Hashem (Words of the Lord): These refer to the mitzvos sichliyim (rational commandments), such as honoring parents and prohibitions against theft and murder, which human intellect can grasp (Ramban, Shemot 24:3).
  • Mishpatim (Judgments): These include chukim (statutes beyond human understanding), such as kashrut or parah adumah, which require pure obedience (Sforno). The people accepted both equally, affirming their commitment to all aspects of Torah.

The Eternal Model of Kabbalas HaTorah

The Ohr HaChaim (Shemot 24:3) highlights that this verse sets a perpetual standard: every Jew must renew their personal kabbalas ol malchus Shamayim (acceptance of the yoke of Heaven) daily, emulating the unity and resolve of their ancestors at Har Sinai. The Kli Yakar adds that the phrase "kol ha'am" (all the people) includes even future generations, as our souls were present at Matan Torah (Tanchuma, Nitzavim 3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the unity of the Jewish people at Mount Sinai when they accepted the Torah, emphasizing their collective commitment to fulfill God's commandments.
📖 Makkot 24a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the foundational principles of the Torah and the people's acceptance of divine commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the people answered 'with one voice' in Exodus 24:3?
A: Rashi explains that 'with one voice' means the Jewish people were united in their acceptance of the Torah, showing complete harmony in their commitment. The Midrash (Mechilta) adds that this demonstrates their willingness to accept both the written Torah and oral traditions with equal enthusiasm.
Q: Why is the phrase 'we will do' important in Exodus 24:3?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) highlights that saying 'we will do' before fully understanding the mitzvot showed extraordinary faith and trust in Hashem. This is considered a great merit for the Jewish people, demonstrating their immediate willingness to fulfill G-d's commandments even before knowing all the details.
Q: What can we learn today from how the Jewish people accepted the Torah in Exodus 24:3?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse sets an eternal model for how Jews should approach mitzvot - with unity and immediate acceptance. Just as our ancestors said 'we will do,' we too should strive to fulfill commandments with enthusiasm and without hesitation, trusting in divine wisdom even when we don't fully understand.