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Deuteronomy 4:33 - Divine voice from fire?

Deuteronomy 4:33 - דברים 4:33

Hebrew Text

הֲשָׁמַע עָם קוֹל אֱלֹהִים מְדַבֵּר מִתּוֹךְ־הָאֵשׁ כַּאֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַעְתָּ אַתָּה וַיֶּחִי׃

English Translation

Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?

Transliteration

Hashama am kol Elohim medaber mitoch-ha'esh ka'asher-shamata atah vayechi.

Hebrew Leining Text

הֲשָׁ֣מַֽע עָם֩ ק֨וֹל אֱלֹהִ֜ים מְדַבֵּ֧ר מִתּוֹךְ־הָאֵ֛שׁ כַּאֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ אַתָּ֖ה וַיֶּֽחִי׃
הֲשָׁ֣מַֽע עָם֩ ק֨וֹל אֱלֹהִ֜ים מְדַבֵּ֧ר מִתּוֹךְ־הָאֵ֛שׁ כַּאֲשֶׁר־שָׁמַ֥עְתָּ אַתָּ֖ה וַיֶּֽחִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 4:33) appears in Moshe's address to Bnei Yisrael before his passing, emphasizing the uniqueness of their experience at Har Sinai. The verse highlights the extraordinary nature of the revelation, where the entire nation heard Hashem's voice directly from the fire and survived—an unparalleled event in human history.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 4:33) explains that no other nation has ever experienced such a direct revelation from Hashem and lived to tell of it. He contrasts this with the experience of prophets from other nations, who received prophecy in a diminished state (e.g., in a dream or vision), whereas Bnei Yisrael heard Hashem's voice clearly and consciously at Har Sinai.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:33), the Rambam discusses the uniqueness of Ma'amad Har Sinai, noting that it was the only time in history when an entire nation collectively experienced prophecy. This public revelation established the authenticity of Torah for all generations, as it was witnessed by millions simultaneously.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta (Yitro, Bachodesh 9) states that at Har Sinai, even the unborn children in their mothers' wombs heard Hashem's voice, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of the revelation.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eschanan 3) teaches that the souls of Bnei Yisrael temporarily left their bodies upon hearing the Divine voice (as the verse says "וַיֶּחִי"—"and they lived"), showing the intensity of the experience.

Halachic Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 415) derives from this verse the prohibition against denying the truth of prophecy, since the entire nation witnessed Hashem's revelation firsthand. This experience serves as the foundation for our belief in Torah MiSinai.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Sefat Emet (Devarim 5641) explains that the phrase "וַיֶּחִי" ("and they lived") teaches that hearing Hashem's voice at Sinai infused Bnei Yisrael with eternal spiritual life. This moment implanted within the Jewish soul the capacity to connect with the Divine throughout all generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 22a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the unique experience of hearing God's voice at Mount Sinai and the miraculous survival of the Israelites.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is cited in the context of the reading of the Torah portion that includes the revelation at Sinai, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:33 mean?
A: This verse highlights the unique experience of the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, where they heard Hashem's voice speaking from the fire and survived. Rashi explains that normally, hearing the Divine voice directly would be fatal, but at Sinai, Hashem made an exception so the people could receive the Torah.
Q: Why is the fact that the people heard G-d's voice and lived important?
A: The Ramban teaches that this miracle demonstrated Hashem's special relationship with Israel. Unlike other nations who might experience G-d's presence through intermediaries or angels, at Sinai, the Jewish people heard directly from Hashem and survived—showing the intimacy of their connection.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 4:33 today?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse reminds us of the extraordinary nature of Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). It teaches us to appreciate the Torah's divine origin and to recognize that our ancestors' direct experience with Hashem obligates us to cherish and observe its commandments.
Q: How does the fire mentioned in this verse connect to Torah?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 22a) compares Torah to fire—just as fire gives light and must be handled carefully, Torah illuminates our lives but requires proper respect. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 5:14) also notes that just as fire doesn't become impure, Torah remains pure for those who study it properly.
Q: Does this verse have any connection to Shavuot?
A: Yes! This verse describes the Sinai experience which we commemorate on Shavuot. The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (6:2) teaches that just as the Torah was given with fire (as described here), we should approach Torah study with fiery enthusiasm and passion.