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Exodus 19:1 - Arrival at Sinai's revelation threshold

Exodus 19:1 - שמות 19:1

Hebrew Text

בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַשְּׁלִישִׁי לְצֵאת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה בָּאוּ מִדְבַּר סִינָי׃

English Translation

In the third month, after the children of Yisra᾽el were gone out of the land of Miżrayim, the same day they came into the wilderness of Sinay.

Transliteration

Bachodesh hashlishi letzet bnei Yisrael me'eretz Mitzrayim bayom haze ba'u midbar Sinai.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י לְצֵ֥את בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם בַּיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה בָּ֖אוּ מִדְבַּ֥ר סִינָֽי׃
בַּחֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י לְצֵ֥את בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם בַּיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה בָּ֖אוּ מִדְבַּ֥ר סִינָֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Timing of the Arrival at Sinai

The verse states that Bnei Yisrael arrived at the wilderness of Sinai in the third month after leaving Egypt. Rashi (Shemot 19:1) notes that this was the month of Sivan, emphasizing the precision of the timeline—exactly on Rosh Chodesh Sivan. The Mechilta (Yitro, Massekhta DeBaChodesh 1) elaborates that this timing was divinely orchestrated to prepare them for receiving the Torah, showing that their journey was not random but directed by Hashem's plan.

Significance of the Third Month

Ramban (Shemot 19:1) explains that the "third month" holds symbolic meaning. Just as a mikveh requires three stages of immersion for purification, Bnei Yisrael underwent three stages of preparation:

  • First month (Nisan): Liberation from Egypt (physical redemption).
  • Second month (Iyar): Overcoming trials like the war with Amalek and receiving the manna (spiritual refinement).
  • Third month (Sivan): Attaining readiness to receive the Torah at Sinai.

The Wilderness as a Place of Revelation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 8) teaches that the Torah was given in the wilderness to signify that it is free and accessible to all who seek it, just as a desert is ownerless. The Seforno (Shemot 19:1) adds that the barrenness of the desert represents humility, a prerequisite for accepting the Torah.

The Phrase "On This Day"

The Talmud (Shabbat 86b) derives from the words "בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה" ("on this day") that the Torah should always feel as fresh and new as if it were given today. The Kli Yakar (Shemot 19:1) expands on this, explaining that the immediacy of "this day" teaches that Torah study must be approached with constant renewal and enthusiasm, not as a stale or outdated obligation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 86b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, specifically debating whether it occurred on the 6th or 7th of Sivan.
📖 Megillah 31a
The verse is mentioned in the context of the reading of the Torah portion that includes the revelation at Sinai during the festival of Shavuot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 19:1 mean?
A: Exodus 19:1 tells us that the Israelites arrived at the wilderness of Sinai in the third month after leaving Egypt. This marks the beginning of their preparation to receive the Torah at Mount Sinai, which is a foundational event in Jewish history. According to Rashi, the 'same day' refers to Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the month), showing the importance of timing in their spiritual journey.
Q: Why is the arrival at Sinai significant?
A: The arrival at Sinai is crucial because it is where the Jewish people received the Torah from Hashem. The Midrash teaches that this event united the nation and set the stage for the covenant between G-d and Israel. Rambam emphasizes that the giving of the Torah at Sinai is the basis for all mitzvot (commandments) and Jewish law.
Q: What can we learn from the Israelites' journey to Sinai?
A: We learn that spiritual growth requires preparation. The Israelites spent time refining themselves before receiving the Torah. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) teaches that they achieved unity ('like one person with one heart'), showing that harmony is essential for receiving divine wisdom. This teaches us to prepare ourselves spiritually before major milestones.
Q: How does Exodus 19:1 apply to us today?
A: Just as the Israelites prepared to receive the Torah at Sinai, we must also prepare ourselves to study and observe mitzvot. The Sefat Emet explains that every Jew stands at Sinai in each generation, meaning we must renew our commitment to Torah. This verse reminds us to approach Torah study with reverence and readiness.
Q: Why does the verse specify 'the third month'?
A: The third month (Sivan) is significant because it leads to Shavuot, the holiday commemorating the giving of the Torah. Rashi notes that the counting from the Exodus to Sinai parallels the Omer period, teaching us to count our days with purpose. The Talmud (Megillah 31b) connects this timing to the importance of spiritual milestones in Jewish life.