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Exodus 33:5 - Stiffnecked people's divine warning

Exodus 33:5 - שמות 33:5

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֱמֹר אֶל־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אַתֶּם עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף רֶגַע אֶחָד אֶעֱלֶה בְקִרְבְּךָ וְכִלִּיתִיךָ וְעַתָּה הוֹרֵד עֶדְיְךָ מֵעָלֶיךָ וְאֵדְעָה מָה אֶעֱשֶׂה־לָּךְ׃

English Translation

For the Lord had said to Moshe, Say to the children of Yisra᾽el, You are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee for a moment and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do to thee.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe emor el-b'nei-Yisrael atem am-k'sheh-oref rega echad e'eleh b'kirb'cha v'chiliticha v'atah hored eidyecha me'alecha v'eda'ah mah e'eseh-lach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֱמֹ֤ר אֶל־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אַתֶּ֣ם עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹ֔רֶף רֶ֧גַע אֶחָ֛ד אֶֽעֱלֶ֥ה בְקִרְבְּךָ֖ וְכִלִּיתִ֑יךָ וְעַתָּ֗ה הוֹרֵ֤ד עֶדְיְךָ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְאֵדְעָ֖ה מָ֥ה אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־לָּֽךְ׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֱמֹ֤ר אֶל־בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אַתֶּ֣ם עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹ֔רֶף רֶ֧גַע אֶחָ֛ד אֶֽעֱלֶ֥ה בְקִרְבְּךָ֖ וְכִלִּיתִ֑יךָ וְעַתָּ֗ה הוֹרֵ֤ד עֶדְיְךָ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְאֵדְעָ֖ה מָ֥ה אֶֽעֱשֶׂה־לָּֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 33:5) appears after the sin of the Golden Calf, when Hashem expresses His displeasure with Bnei Yisrael for their stubbornness and rebellion. The phrase "עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף" ("a stiffnecked people") underscores their resistance to divine guidance, as explained by Rashi, who notes that this metaphor compares them to an ox that refuses to turn its neck when plowing, symbolizing obstinacy.

Hashem's Warning

Hashem warns that He might "come up into the midst of thee for a moment and consume thee", indicating a potential immediate punishment. Ramban explains that this reflects Hashem's justice—He cannot tolerate idolatry in His presence. However, the phrasing "רֶגַע אֶחָד" ("for a moment") suggests a temporary withdrawal of divine protection rather than total annihilation, as the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 42:9) teaches that Hashem's anger is fleeting, but His mercy endures.

The Command to Remove Ornaments

Hashem instructs Bnei Yisrael to "put off thy ornaments" ("הוֹרֵד עֶדְיְךָ"). Rashi explains that this was a sign of mourning and repentance, as they had previously used these ornaments to create the Golden Calf (Shemot 32:2-3). The Talmud (Yoma 66b) further connects this to the concept of תשובה (repentance), where outward actions reflect inner remorse.

Divine Deliberation

The phrase "וְאֵדְעָה מָה אֶעֱשֶׂה־לָּךְ" ("that I may know what to do to thee") is interpreted by the Sforno as an expression of divine deliberation—Hashem weighing whether to punish or show mercy. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 27) suggests that this demonstrates Hashem’s patience, allowing time for repentance before final judgment.

Key Lessons

  • Stiffneckedness as Spiritual Resistance: The term "עַם־קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף" teaches that stubbornness in sin prevents spiritual growth.
  • Divine Justice and Mercy: Hashem’s warning balances strict justice with the possibility of forgiveness.
  • Repentance Through Action: Removing ornaments symbolizes the need for tangible steps in repentance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 66b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the removal of ornaments as a sign of repentance and mourning.
📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the Israelites' stubbornness and their relationship with God during the revelation at Sinai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'stiffnecked people' mean in Exodus 33:5?
A: The term 'stiffnecked' (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף) refers to being stubborn or unwilling to bend, like an ox that refuses to turn its neck when guided. Rashi explains that this describes the Israelites' tendency to resist Hashem's commandments, especially after incidents like the Golden Calf (Shemot 32:9). It highlights their struggle with obedience.
Q: Why did Hashem tell the Israelites to remove their ornaments in Exodus 33:5?
A: According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 45:1), the ornaments symbolized the jewelry they wore during the sin of the Golden Calf. Removing them was a sign of mourning and repentance. Ramban adds that this act demonstrated their humility and readiness to accept Hashem's judgment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 33:5 about repentance?
A: The verse teaches that true repentance (תְּשׁוּבָה) requires both acknowledgment of wrongdoing and tangible actions—like removing ornaments—to show remorse. The Talmud (Yoma 86b) emphasizes that sincere repentance can lead to forgiveness, as seen later when Hashem continues to guide the Israelites.
Q: How does Exodus 33:5 show Hashem's relationship with the Jewish people?
A: Despite calling them 'stiffnecked,' Hashem does not abandon them. The Ohr HaChaim explains that this verse reflects Hashem's mercy: even in rebuke, He gives them a path to return. The temporary threat of being 'consumed' is a warning to inspire change, not a final punishment.
Q: Why does Hashem say 'I may know what to do to you' in Exodus 33:5?
A: Rashi interprets this as Hashem waiting to see their response to His warning. Their actions—like removing ornaments—would determine whether they deserved further punishment or mercy. This mirrors the principle in Jewish thought that divine judgment responds to human choices (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4).