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Deuteronomy 9:15 - Moses descends with fiery tablets

Deuteronomy 9:15 - דברים 9:15

Hebrew Text

וָאֵפֶן וָאֵרֵד מִן־הָהָר וְהָהָר בֹּעֵר בָּאֵשׁ וּשְׁנֵי לֻחֹת הַבְּרִית עַל שְׁתֵּי יָדָי׃

English Translation

So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire: and the two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands.

Transliteration

Va'efen va'ered min-hahar vehahar bo'er ba'esh ushnei luchot habrit al shtei yadai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֵ֗פֶן וָֽאֵרֵד֙ מִן־הָהָ֔ר וְהָהָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֑שׁ וּשְׁנֵי֙ לוּחֹ֣ת הַבְּרִ֔ית עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֥י יָדָֽי׃
וָאֵ֗פֶן וָֽאֵרֵד֙ מִן־הָהָ֔ר וְהָהָ֖ר בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֑שׁ וּשְׁנֵי֙ לוּחֹ֣ת הַבְּרִ֔ית עַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֥י יָדָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 9:15) describes Moshe Rabbeinu descending from Har Sinai after receiving the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant), witnessing the mountain still ablaze with fire. This occurs just before Moshe sees the sin of the Golden Calf, prompting him to shatter the tablets.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 9:15) emphasizes that the mountain was still burning when Moshe descended, highlighting the ongoing divine presence at Har Sinai even after the revelation. He notes that the fire was a visible sign of Hashem's glory, reinforcing the sanctity of the moment and the Luchot.

The Significance of the Two Tablets

The Luchot HaBrit symbolize the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. The Talmud (Bava Batra 14a) teaches that the tablets were made of sapphire, engraved by the "finger of G-d" (Shemot 31:18). Their presence in Moshe's hands as he descended underscores his role as the intermediary of the Torah.

The Burning Mountain

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 47:5) explains that the fire on Har Sinai was not a destructive force but a manifestation of divine revelation. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:9) interprets such fire as a metaphor for the intense spiritual clarity experienced during prophecy.

Moshe's Descent

  • Physical and Spiritual Transition: Moshe's descent marks a shift from the purely spiritual realm of Har Sinai to the physical world where Bnei Yisrael awaited.
  • Contrast with the Golden Calf: The burning mountain's holiness starkly contrasts with the idolatry Moshe would soon encounter, heightening the tragedy of the sin.

Lessons for Today

The image of Moshe holding the Luchot while the mountain burns teaches that Torah must be carried into the world with reverence for its divine origin. The fire symbolizes the enduring power of Torah study and mitzvot to illuminate our lives.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 28b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the giving of the Torah and the descent of Moses from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the covenant.
📖 Megillah 21a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the public reading of the Torah and the significance of the tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that the mountain was burning with fire when Moshe came down?
A: The mountain burning with fire (Devarim 9:15) symbolizes the intense holiness and divine presence that remained at Har Sinai even after Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). Rashi explains that this shows the fire was miraculously burning without consuming anything, just like the burning bush (Shemos 3:2).
Q: Why were the tablets called 'the two tablets of the covenant'?
A: They are called 'Luchos HaBris' (tablets of the covenant) because they represented the eternal bond between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) teaches that the entire Torah's authority stems from Matan Torah at Har Sinai, with these tablets as the physical manifestation of that covenant.
Q: Why does the verse mention Moshe holding the tablets in both hands?
A: The Talmud (Bava Basra 14a) notes that each tablet was equally important - one containing the first five commandments (between man and G-d) and the other five (between man and man). Holding one in each hand shows their equal weight and importance in Jewish life.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe carrying the tablets down the mountain?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 3:12) teaches that Moshe's descent with the heavy tablets shows a leader must personally bring Torah to the people. Just as Moshe carried the physical tablets, every Jew has a responsibility to 'carry' and share Torah wisdom with others.
Q: How does this verse connect to the sin of the golden calf?
A: Rashi (Devarim 9:15) explains this verse introduces the tragic moment when Moshe saw the golden calf while descending with the tablets. The burning mountain contrasts with the people's sin - while Hashem's presence was visibly manifest at Sinai, the people turned to idolatry.