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Exodus 24:4 - Moshe records Torah at dawn

Exodus 24:4 - שמות 24:4

Hebrew Text

וַיִּכְתֹּב מֹשֶׁה אֵת כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה וַיַּשְׁכֵּם בַּבֹּקֶר וַיִּבֶן מִזְבֵּחַ תַּחַת הָהָר וּשְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה מַצֵּבָה לִשְׁנֵים עָשָׂר שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And Moshe wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Va-yichtov Moshe et kol-divrei Adonai va-yashkem ba-boker va-yiven mizbe'ach tachat ha-har u-shtayim esreh matzeva li-shneim asar shivtei Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֵ֚ת כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַיִּ֥בֶן מִזְבֵּ֖חַ תַּ֣חַת הָהָ֑ר וּשְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה לִשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֵ֚ת כׇּל־דִּבְרֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַיִּ֥בֶן מִזְבֵּ֖חַ תַּ֣חַת הָהָ֑ר וּשְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה לִשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

Moses Writing the Words of Hashem

The verse states, "וַיִּכְתֹּב מֹשֶׁה אֵת כָּל־דִּבְרֵי יְהוָה" ("And Moshe wrote all the words of the Lord"). Rashi explains that this refers to Moshe writing down the commandments from the beginning of Sefer Shemos (Exodus) until the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, as well as the laws communicated at Mara (Shemos 15:25). The Ramban adds that this writing was a covenant document, similar to a sefer brit (book of the covenant), which was later read aloud to Bnei Yisrael (Shemos 24:7).

Early Morning Action

The phrase "וַיַּשְׁכֵּם בַּבֹּקֶר" ("and rose up early in the morning") emphasizes Moshe's diligence in fulfilling Hashem's command. The Midrash Tanchuma (Mishpatim 5) highlights that tzaddikim (righteous individuals) are swift to perform mitzvos, as seen with Avraham (Bereishis 22:3) and Yaakov (Bereishis 28:18). This teaches the importance of zerizus (alacrity) in divine service.

The Altar and Twelve Pillars

Moshe built "מִזְבֵּחַ תַּחַת הָהָר" ("an altar under the hill") and "שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה מַצֵּבָה" ("twelve pillars"). Rashi notes that the altar commemorated Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), while the twelve pillars corresponded to the twelve tribes, symbolizing their unity in accepting the Torah. The Ibn Ezra explains that the placement "under the hill" (Har Sinai) signifies humility—the foundation of Torah observance.

  • Altar (Mizbeach): Represented korbanos (offerings) of gratitude for the covenant, as later seen in Shemos 24:5-6 (Ramban).
  • Twelve Pillars (Matzeivos): The Mechilta teaches that these were not idolatrous monuments (as in Bereishis 28:18) but markers of tribal unity, echoing the stones of the Efod (Shemos 28:21).

Connection to the Tribes

The phrase "לִשְׁנֵים עָשָׂר שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("according to the twelve tribes of Yisra᾽el") underscores the collective responsibility of Klal Yisrael. The Sforno explains that each tribe’s unique role was essential in upholding the Torah, just as the pillars supported the covenant. This foreshadows the future division of Eretz Yisrael among the tribes, rooted in their shared commitment at Har Sinai.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 86b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of the giving of the Torah and Moses' actions the following morning.
📖 Megillah 19b
Mentioned in the context of the writing of the Torah and the establishment of the covenant at Sinai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe write down all the words of Hashem?
A: Moshe wrote down all the words of Hashem to preserve the divine commandments and teachings for future generations. According to Rashi, this act established the written Torah, ensuring that the laws would be accessible and remembered by Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel).
Q: What is the significance of the twelve pillars Moshe built?
A: The twelve pillars represented the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity and collective responsibility of the entire nation in accepting the Torah. The Midrash explains that this demonstrated that all tribes were equally bound to uphold the covenant with Hashem.
Q: Why did Moshe build an altar under the mountain?
A: Moshe built the altar as a place for offerings to seal the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. The Ramban teaches that this act was a physical expression of devotion and commitment, marking the solemn moment when the people accepted the Torah.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe waking up early in the morning to fulfill Hashem's command?
A: Moshe's diligence in rising early teaches the importance of zerizut (alacrity) in performing mitzvot. The Talmud (Berachot 4a) praises those who eagerly fulfill commandments without delay, showing love and reverence for Hashem.
Q: How does this verse connect to the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai?
A: This verse describes the preparations before Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah). The altar and pillars were part of the covenant ceremony, as explained in the Mechilta, showing Bnei Yisrael's readiness to accept the Torah as one united nation.