Deuteronomy 9:9 - Moses' divine fast revelation

Moses' Ascent to Receive the Tablets

The verse describes Moshe Rabbeinu's ascent to Har Sinai to receive the Luchot Ha'Avanim (Tablets of Stone), which contained the terms of the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. Rashi (Devarim 9:9) emphasizes that these tablets were not merely physical objects but embodied the divine covenant, underscoring their sacred nature.

Forty Days and Nights Without Sustenance

Moshe states that he remained on the mountain for forty days and nights without eating bread or drinking water. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:5) explains that this supernatural sustenance demonstrates Moshe's elevated spiritual state, where he was entirely absorbed in divine communion. The Talmud (Yoma 4b) further notes that this parallels the creation narrative, where the world was sustained by divine will alone during the forty days of the flood.

• Symbolism of Forty: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 41:6) connects the forty days to the formative periods in Jewish history—such as the forty days of the flood and the forty years in the desert—representing times of purification and divine revelation.
• Miraculous Sustenance: The absence of physical nourishment highlights that Moshe's existence during this time was sustained purely by the Shechinah (Divine Presence), as discussed by the Sforno (Devarim 9:9).

The Tablets as a Covenant

The phrase "Luchot HaBrit" (Tablets of the Covenant) signifies the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The Ramban (Devarim 9:9) teaches that these tablets were not just a record of the commandments but a tangible manifestation of the mutual commitment between G-d and His people. The Talmud (Bava Batra 14a) elaborates that the tablets were inscribed by the "finger of G-d," symbolizing their divine origin and unbreakable nature.