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Deuteronomy 9:9 - Moses' divine fast revelation

Deuteronomy 9:9 - דברים 9:9

Hebrew Text

בַּעֲלֹתִי הָהָרָה לָקַחַת לוּחֹת הָאֲבָנִים לוּחֹת הַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַת יְהוָה עִמָּכֶם וָאֵשֵׁב בָּהָר אַרְבָּעִים יוֹם וְאַרְבָּעִים לַיְלָה לֶחֶם לֹא אָכַלְתִּי וּמַיִם לֹא שָׁתִיתִי׃

English Translation

When I was gone up into the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant which the Lord made with you, then I abode in the mountain forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

Transliteration

Ba'aloti hahara lakachat luchot ha'avanim luchot habrit asher-karat Adonai imachem va'eshev bahar arba'im yom ve'arba'im laila lechem lo achal'ti u'mayim lo shatiti.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּעֲלֹתִ֣י הָהָ֗רָה לָקַ֜חַת לוּחֹ֤ת הָֽאֲבָנִים֙ לוּחֹ֣ת הַבְּרִ֔ית אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה עִמָּכֶ֑ם וָאֵשֵׁ֣ב בָּהָ֗ר אַרְבָּעִ֥ים יוֹם֙ וְאַרְבָּעִ֣ים לַ֔יְלָה לֶ֚חֶם לֹ֣א אָכַ֔לְתִּי וּמַ֖יִם לֹ֥א שָׁתִֽיתִי׃
בַּעֲלֹתִ֣י הָהָ֗רָה לָקַ֜חַת לוּחֹ֤ת הָֽאֲבָנִים֙ לוּחֹ֣ת הַבְּרִ֔ית אֲשֶׁר־כָּרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה עִמָּכֶ֑ם וָאֵשֵׁ֣ב בָּהָ֗ר אַרְבָּעִ֥ים יוֹם֙ וְאַרְבָּעִ֣ים לַ֔יְלָה לֶ֚חֶם לֹ֣א אָכַ֔לְתִּי וּמַ֖יִם לֹ֥א שָׁתִֽיתִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Moses' Ascent to Receive the Tablets

The verse describes Moshe Rabbeinu's ascent to Har Sinai to receive the Luchot Ha'Avanim (Tablets of Stone), which contained the terms of the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. Rashi (Devarim 9:9) emphasizes that these tablets were not merely physical objects but embodied the divine covenant, underscoring their sacred nature.

Forty Days and Nights Without Sustenance

Moshe states that he remained on the mountain for forty days and nights without eating bread or drinking water. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:5) explains that this supernatural sustenance demonstrates Moshe's elevated spiritual state, where he was entirely absorbed in divine communion. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) further notes that this parallels the creation narrative, where the world was sustained by divine will alone during the forty days of the flood.

  • Symbolism of Forty: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 41:6) connects the forty days to the formative periods in Jewish history—such as the forty days of the flood and the forty years in the desert—representing times of purification and divine revelation.
  • Miraculous Sustenance: The absence of physical nourishment highlights that Moshe's existence during this time was sustained purely by the Shechinah (Divine Presence), as discussed by the Sforno (Devarim 9:9).

The Tablets as a Covenant

The phrase "Luchot HaBrit" (Tablets of the Covenant) signifies the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The Ramban (Devarim 9:9) teaches that these tablets were not just a record of the commandments but a tangible manifestation of the mutual commitment between G-d and His people. The Talmud (Bava Batra 14a) elaborates that the tablets were inscribed by the "finger of G-d," symbolizing their divine origin and unbreakable nature.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 9a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Moses' fast of forty days and forty nights, emphasizing his devotion and the miraculous nature of his sustenance during this period.
📖 Yoma 4b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the sanctity and preparation required for receiving the Torah, highlighting Moses' abstinence from food and water as a sign of his spiritual elevation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe fast for 40 days and nights on the mountain?
A: Moshe fasted for 40 days and nights when receiving the Torah to show complete devotion to Hashem and to elevate himself spiritually while receiving this holy gift. The Ramban explains that during this time, Moshe transcended normal physical needs through divine inspiration.
Q: What were the 'tablets of stone' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'tablets of stone' (Luchot HaEven) refer to the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments that Hashem gave to Moshe at Mount Sinai. Rashi explains they were made of sapphire and engraved by Hashem Himself, representing the eternal covenant between G-d and the Jewish people.
Q: Why is it important that Moshe didn't eat or drink for 40 days?
A: This demonstrates Moshe's complete focus on spiritual matters during this sacred time. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) teaches that Moshe was like the heavenly angels during this period, not requiring physical nourishment while immersed in divine revelation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's 40 days on the mountain?
A: We learn the importance of complete dedication when serving Hashem. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 47:5) explains that Moshe's total focus teaches us that when engaging with Torah, we should strive to minimize distractions from physical needs and worldly matters.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both 40 days and 40 nights?
A: The Sages explain that mentioning both days and nights teaches that Moshe learned Torah continuously without interruption, day and night. This sets an example for our own Torah study - that we should be consistent in our learning at all times (based on Rashi's commentary).