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Deuteronomy 10:10 - Moses' second mountain plea

Deuteronomy 10:10 - דברים 10:10

Hebrew Text

וְאָנֹכִי עָמַדְתִּי בָהָר כַּיָּמִים הָרִאשֹׁנִים אַרְבָּעִים יוֹם וְאַרְבָּעִים לָיְלָה וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֵלַי גַּם בַּפַּעַם הַהִוא לֹא־אָבָה יְהוָה הַשְׁחִיתֶךָ׃

English Translation

And I stayed in the mountain, like the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the Lord hearkened to me at that time also, and the Lord would not destroy thee.

Transliteration

Ve'anochi amadti bahar kayamim harishonim arba'im yom ve'arba'im laila vayishma Adonai elai gam bapa'am hahi lo-ava Adonai hashchitecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָנֹכִ֞י עָמַ֣דְתִּי בָהָ֗ר כַּיָּמִים֙ הָרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים לָ֑יְלָה וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע יְהֹוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗י גַּ֚ם בַּפַּ֣עַם הַהִ֔וא לֹא־אָבָ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה הַשְׁחִיתֶֽךָ׃
וְאָנֹכִ֞י עָמַ֣דְתִּי בָהָ֗ר כַּיָּמִים֙ הָרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים לָ֑יְלָה וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע יְהֹוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗י גַּ֚ם בַּפַּ֣עַם הַהִ֔וא לֹא־אָבָ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה הַשְׁחִיתֶֽךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 10:10) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's recounting of the events following the sin of the Golden Calf. After the first set of Luchos (Tablets) were shattered, Moshe ascended Har Sinai again for another forty days and nights to plead for mercy on behalf of Bnei Yisrael and to receive the second set of Luchos.

Forty Days and Nights

Rashi explains that the phrase "like the first time" refers to the initial forty days Moshe spent on Har Sinai when receiving the first Luchos (Shemos 24:18). The repetition of forty days emphasizes the complete process of repentance and renewal. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Ki Tisa 31) teaches that these forty days corresponded to the forty days during which the sin of the Golden Calf was conceived and carried out, demonstrating that teshuva (repentance) requires equal intensity to the sin itself.

Divine Mercy and Intercession

The phrase "וַיִּשְׁמַע יְהוָה אֵלַי" ("and the Lord hearkened to me") highlights Moshe's role as an intermediary. Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 2:6) notes that sincere repentance, combined with the advocacy of a righteous leader like Moshe, can overturn a negative decree. The Talmud (Berachos 32a) elaborates that Moshe's prayers were so powerful that they compelled Hashem to relent from destroying Bnei Yisrael.

Hashem's Refusal to Destroy

The conclusion of the verse—"לֹא־אָבָה יְהוָה הַשְׁחִיתֶךָ" ("the Lord would not destroy thee")—reflects the unconditional love Hashem has for His people. The Sforno explains that despite their grave sin, Hashem preserved Bnei Yisrael because of the covenant with the Avos (forefathers) and His promise to establish them as a nation. The Ohr HaChaim adds that this mercy was also in merit of the future generations who would remain faithful to Torah.

Lessons for All Generations

  • Teshuvah is Always Possible: Even after a severe sin like the Golden Calf, sincere repentance can bring forgiveness.
  • The Power of Prayer: Moshe's dedication in praying for forty days shows the importance of persistent tefillah.
  • Divine Mercy: Hashem's refusal to destroy Bnei Yisrael teaches that His love for Klal Yisrael is everlasting, even in times of failure.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 10:10 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 10:10 describes Moshe (Moses) spending another 40 days and nights on Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) praying for the Jewish people after the sin of the golden calf. Hashem listened to Moshe's prayers and agreed not to destroy the nation. This shows the power of repentance and prayer.
Q: Why did Moshe spend 40 days on the mountain a second time?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe ascended Har Sinai for a second 40-day period to receive the second set of luchot (tablets) after he broke the first ones upon seeing the golden calf. This also included pleading for forgiveness on behalf of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel).
Q: What can we learn from Hashem listening to Moshe's prayer?
A: The verse teaches that sincere prayer can change Divine decrees, as the Rambam explains in Hilchot Teshuvah. Even after the serious sin of the golden calf, Moshe's prayers averted destruction. This gives hope that our own prayers and repentance can bring forgiveness.
Q: Why is the number 40 significant in this verse?
A: The number 40 appears frequently in Torah (flood, Moshe's life stages, etc.). Here, as the Midrash explains, 40 days represents a complete period for spiritual transformation - just as a fetus forms in 40 days, Moshe needed this time to rebuild the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This teaches that leaders must pray for their people, and that no matter how far someone strays, sincere repentance is always possible. The Talmud (Berachot 32a) derives from this that prayer can cancel harsh decrees, encouraging us to never despair of Hashem's mercy.