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Deuteronomy 5:20 - Divine voice in fiery darkness?

Deuteronomy 5:20 - דברים 5:20

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶם אֶת־הַקּוֹל מִתּוֹךְ הַחֹשֶׁךְ וְהָהָר בֹּעֵר בָּאֵשׁ וַתִּקְרְבוּן אֵלַי כָּל־רָאשֵׁי שִׁבְטֵיכֶם וְזִקְנֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

Transliteration

Vay'hi k'sham'akhem et-hakol mitokh hachoshekh vehahar bo'er ba'esh vatikrevun elai kol-rashei shivteikhem vezikneikhem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י כְּשׇׁמְעֲכֶ֤ם אֶת־הַקּוֹל֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ וְהָהָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֑שׁ וַתִּקְרְב֣וּן אֵלַ֔י כׇּל־רָאשֵׁ֥י שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֖ם וְזִקְנֵיכֶֽם׃
וַיְהִ֗י כְּשׇׁמְעֲכֶ֤ם אֶת־הַקּוֹל֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ וְהָהָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֑שׁ וַתִּקְרְב֣וּן אֵלַ֔י כׇּל־רָאשֵׁ֥י שִׁבְטֵיכֶ֖ם וְזִקְנֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Setting of Divine Revelation

The verse describes the moment when Bnei Yisrael heard the voice of Hashem emanating from the darkness, with Har Sinai engulfed in fire. Rashi (Devarim 5:20) explains that the "darkness" refers to the thick cloud covering the mountain (as described in Shemot 19:16), which concealed the Divine Presence while allowing the voice to be heard. This paradoxical imagery—fire within darkness—symbolizes the unfathomable nature of the Divine revelation, where Hashem's presence was both revealed and concealed simultaneously.

The Role of the Tribal Leaders and Elders

The verse notes that the heads of the tribes and the elders approached Moshe after hearing the voice. Ramban (Devarim 5:20) suggests that this reflects their heightened spiritual sensitivity and leadership role. Unlike the general populace, who were overwhelmed by the revelation (as described in Shemot 20:15-16), the leaders sought further clarity from Moshe, demonstrating their responsibility to guide the nation in understanding the Torah.

The Significance of the Burning Mountain

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 29:9) elaborates on the image of the mountain burning with fire, teaching that Har Sinai was not consumed by the flames—a miracle akin to the burning bush (Shemot 3:2). This symbolizes that the Torah, though given through fire (representing its eternal and purifying nature), does not destroy those who engage with it properly. The fire also signifies the intensity of the Divine word, as the Talmud (Ta'anit 4a) compares Torah to fire, stating, "Just as fire does not endure in isolation, Torah does not endure in one who isolates himself."

The Contrast Between Darkness and Fire

  • Darkness (חֹשֶׁךְ): Represents the awe and mystery of the Divine encounter, as the people could not physically see Hashem (Devarim 4:12). The Mechilta (Yitro, Parsha 9) teaches that the darkness was a protective measure, shielding Bnei Yisrael from the overwhelming intensity of the revelation.
  • Fire (אֵשׁ): Symbolizes both the purifying and illuminating power of Torah. The Sforno (Devarim 5:20) notes that the fire was a visible manifestation of Hashem's presence, reinforcing the authenticity of the revelation.

Leadership Response to Revelation

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 5:20) highlights that the leaders approached Moshe after hearing the voice, indicating their desire for mediation. Unlike the initial reaction at Har Sinai, where the people asked Moshe to speak to them directly (Shemot 20:16), here the leaders take initiative, showing their role in bridging the Divine word to the nation. This reflects the principle of Torah leadership—seeking deeper understanding to properly guide others.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 31a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Israelites' reaction to hearing the voice of God at Mount Sinai and their subsequent approach to Moses.
📖 Sanhedrin 34a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the nature of prophecy and the unique experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the 'voice out of the midst of the darkness' refer to in Deuteronomy 5:20?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentaries, the 'voice out of the midst of the darkness' refers to the voice of Hashem (G-d) speaking the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The darkness symbolizes the awe and mystery surrounding divine revelation, while the fire represents G-d's presence and holiness.
Q: Why did the heads of the tribes and elders approach Moshe (Moses) in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Makot 24a) explains that the leaders approached Moshe because they were overwhelmed by the intensity of the divine revelation at Mount Sinai. They requested that Moshe serve as an intermediary between G-d and the people, as hearing G-d's voice directly was too powerful for them to bear (based on Deuteronomy 5:22-24).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the mountain burning with fire in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei on Deuteronomy) teaches that the burning mountain symbolizes how Torah must be approached with fiery passion and reverence. Just as the Israelites experienced G-d's presence with awe at Sinai, we too should study and observe Torah with enthusiasm and respect, recognizing its divine origin.
Q: How does the experience at Mount Sinai apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) explains in his writings that the revelation at Sinai established the foundation of our faith. Every generation is considered to have stood at Sinai, as the Torah was given not only to those present but to all future Jewish people. This event reminds us of our eternal covenant with G-d and our obligation to uphold the Torah.
Q: Why is the description of darkness and fire important in this verse?
A: Traditional Jewish sources (like the Zohar) explain that the combination of darkness and fire represents the paradox of divine revelation - G-d is both hidden (darkness) and revealed (fire). This teaches us that while we can perceive aspects of G-d's will through Torah, His essence remains ultimately beyond human comprehension.