share torah logo

Deuteronomy 1:6 - Time to leave Sinai?

Deuteronomy 1:6 - דברים 1:6

Hebrew Text

יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ דִּבֶּר אֵלֵינוּ בְּחֹרֵב לֵאמֹר רַב־לָכֶם שֶׁבֶת בָּהָר הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

The Lord our God spoke to us in Ḥorev, saying, You have dwelt long enough in this mountain:

Transliteration

Adonai Eloheinu diber aleinu b'Chorev lemor rav-lachem shevet bahar hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ דִּבֶּ֥ר אֵלֵ֖ינוּ בְּחֹרֵ֣ב לֵאמֹ֑ר רַב־לָכֶ֥ם שֶׁ֖בֶת בָּהָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה׃
יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ דִּבֶּ֥ר אֵלֵ֖ינוּ בְּחֹרֵ֣ב לֵאמֹ֑ר רַב־לָכֶ֥ם שֶׁ֖בֶת בָּהָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Deuteronomy

The verse (Devarim 1:6) marks the transition from recounting the revelation at Har Sinai to the command to journey toward Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that this was a gentle rebuke—Hashem was telling Bnei Yisrael they had lingered too long at Har Sinai after receiving the Torah, and it was time to move forward to fulfill their mission.

The Significance of "רַב־לָכֶם"

The phrase "רַב־לָכֶם" ("You have dwelt long enough") is interpreted by the Sifrei as implying both a reproach and a blessing. The reproach was for delaying the conquest of Eretz Yisrael, while the blessing was that they had already absorbed the Torah’s foundations sufficiently to proceed. Ramban adds that this was the 40th year, and the generation was now spiritually prepared to enter the Land.

Ḥorev vs. Sinai

The verse uses "חֹרֵב" (Ḥorev) instead of "Sinai," which the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:4) connects to the word חורב (destruction)—a reminder that idolatry (which brings destruction) was uprooted there. Alternatively, the Kli Yakar suggests Ḥorev alludes to the dryness (חרב) of mundane existence, contrasting with the spiritual saturation of Sinai.

Practical Lessons

  • Timely Action: The Ohr HaChaim emphasizes that spiritual growth must lead to action—Bnei Yisrael needed to apply the Torah in Eretz Yisrael rather than remain in isolation.
  • Balance: The Sefat Emet teaches that while Torah study is paramount, one must also engage with the world to sanctify it.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'You have dwelt long enough in this mountain' mean in Deuteronomy 1:6?
A: This verse marks the transition from the Israelites staying at Mount Sinai (Ḥorev) to beginning their journey toward the Land of Israel. Rashi explains that they had spent nearly a year there receiving the Torah and building the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and now it was time to move forward toward their destiny.
Q: Why is Mount Sinai called 'Ḥorev' in this verse?
A: The name 'Ḥorev' is often used interchangeably with Mount Sinai in the Torah. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:4) connects the name Ḥorev (from the root 'ḥorev,' meaning destruction) to the idea that idolatry was 'destroyed' from the world when the Torah was given there.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'You have dwelt long enough in this mountain'?
A: The Ramban teaches that this verse teaches us about spiritual growth—while receiving the Torah at Sinai was foundational, one cannot remain in a state of passive learning forever. We must take our Torah knowledge into the world and apply it in daily life, just as the Israelites had to leave Sinai to fulfill their mission.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish journey toward the Promised Land?
A: As the Sifrei (Devarim 1:6) explains, this was a pivotal moment—after receiving the Torah, the Israelites needed to transition from being purely spiritual learners to becoming a nation ready to conquer and settle the Land of Israel while upholding Torah values in a practical, earthly setting.
Q: Why does G-d say 'The Lord our God spoke to us' instead of just commanding them to leave?
A: Rashi notes that the phrasing emphasizes the collective experience at Sinai—the Torah was given to the entire nation together. The use of 'our God' reminds them (and us) that their mission was not just for that generation, but for all future generations of the Jewish people.