Deuteronomy 4:10 - Mount Sinai's eternal lesson?

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Hebrew Text

יוֹם אֲשֶׁר עָמַדְתָּ לִפְנֵי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּחֹרֵב בֶּאֱמֹר יְהוָה אֵלַי הַקְהֶל־לִי אֶת־הָעָם וְאַשְׁמִעֵם אֶת־דְּבָרָי אֲשֶׁר יִלְמְדוּן לְיִרְאָה אֹתִי כָּל־הַיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר הֵם חַיִּים עַל־הָאֲדָמָה וְאֶת־בְּנֵיהֶם יְלַמֵּדוּן׃

English Translation

the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy God in Ḥorev, when the Lord said to me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.

Transliteration

Yom asher amadta lifnei Adonai Eloheicha b'Chorev be'emor Adonai elai hakh'hel-li et-ha'am v'ashmi'em et-d'varai asher yilm'dun l'yirah oti kol-hayamim asher hem chayim al-ha'adamah v'et-b'neihem y'lam'dun.

Hebrew Leining Text

י֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָמַ֜דְתָּ לִפְנֵ֨י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֘יךָ֮ בְּחֹרֵב֒ בֶּאֱמֹ֨ר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗י הַקְהֶל־לִי֙ אֶת־הָעָ֔ם וְאַשְׁמִעֵ֖ם אֶת־דְּבָרָ֑י אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִלְמְד֜וּן לְיִרְאָ֣ה אֹתִ֗י כׇּל־הַיָּמִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר הֵ֤ם חַיִּים֙ עַל־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה וְאֶת־בְּנֵיהֶ֖ם יְלַמֵּדֽוּן׃

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Standing Before Hashem at Har Sinai

The verse recounts the foundational moment at Har Sinai (Chorev) when Bnei Yisrael stood before Hashem to receive the Torah. Rashi (Devarim 4:10) emphasizes that this event was not merely historical but serves as an eternal model for Torah transmission. The phrase "יוֹם אֲשֶׁר עָמַדְתָּ" ("the day that you stood") underscores the active posture of the nation—standing in reverence and readiness to accept the divine word.

The Command to Gather the People

Hashem instructs Moshe to "הַקְהֶל־לִי אֶת־הָעָם" ("Gather me the people"), which the Rambam (Hilchos Chagigah 3:6) links to the mitzvah of Hakhel, the public Torah reading every seven years. This gathering at Har Sinai set the precedent for communal Torah learning, demonstrating that Torah must be transmitted collectively, not just individually.

The Dual Purpose of Torah Learning

Yiras Shamayim (Fear of Heaven): The verse states "אֲשֶׁר יִלְמְדוּן לְיִרְאָה אֹתִי" ("that they may learn to fear Me"). The Sforno explains that Torah study is not merely intellectual but must lead to awe of Hashem, as the Mishnah (Avot 3:9) teaches: "One whose wisdom exceeds his deeds—his wisdom will not endure."
Teaching Future Generations: The concluding phrase "וְאֶת־בְּנֵיהֶם יְלַמֵּדוּן" ("and that they may teach their children") establishes the obligation of chinuch (education). The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) derives from here that parents must teach their children Torah, ensuring its continuity.

The Eternal Relevance of Har Sinai

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 67) teaches that every Jew—past, present, and future—stood at Har Sinai. The phrase "כָּל־הַיָּמִים אֲשֶׁר הֵם חַיִּים עַל־הָאֲדָמָה" ("all the days that they shall live upon the earth") implies that the covenant is binding for all generations. The Ramban (Devarim 4:9) adds that this verse obligates each Jew to view themselves as if they personally received the Torah at Sinai, renewing their commitment daily.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 22a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of Torah study and the transmission of knowledge to future generations.

📖 Megillah 31a

The verse is cited in the context of the public reading of the Torah and the obligation to teach it to the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the day that you stood before the Lord in Horeb' refer to?
A: This refers to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai (Horeb), when the entire Jewish people stood before Hashem to receive the Torah. Rashi explains that this event was foundational, as it established the covenant between G-d and Israel.

Q: Why is teaching Torah to children mentioned in this verse?
A: The verse emphasizes passing down Torah learning to future generations. The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah) teaches that this is a fundamental mitzvah—parents must teach their children Torah to ensure the continuity of Jewish tradition and reverence for Hashem.

Q: What does 'learn to fear Me' mean in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 22a) explains that 'fear of Heaven' (yirat Shamayim) is the foundation of Torah observance. It means developing awe and reverence for Hashem, which leads to keeping His commandments properly.

Q: Why does the verse mention 'all the days that they live on the earth'?
A: The Sforno teaches that Torah learning and fear of Hashem should be constant throughout one's life—not just in youth or old age. Every moment is an opportunity to grow in Torah and connection to G-d.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as the generation at Sinai received and transmitted Torah, we must continue learning and teaching. The Midrash (Sifrei) compares this to a chain—each generation must faithfully pass Torah to the next, ensuring its eternal preservation.