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Exodus 19:10 - Prepare for Divine Revelation

Exodus 19:10 - שמות 19:10

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵךְ אֶל־הָעָם וְקִדַּשְׁתָּם הַיּוֹם וּמָחָר וְכִבְּסוּ שִׂמְלֹתָם׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes,

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Moshe lech el-ha'am vekidashtam hayom umachar vechibsu simlotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙ לֵ֣ךְ אֶל־הָעָ֔ם וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥ם הַיּ֖וֹם וּמָחָ֑ר וְכִבְּס֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָֽם׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙ לֵ֣ךְ אֶל־הָעָ֔ם וְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֥ם הַיּ֖וֹם וּמָחָ֑ר וְכִבְּס֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Sanctification in Preparation for Matan Torah

The verse (Shemot 19:10) describes Hashem's command to Moshe to prepare Bnei Yisrael for the revelation at Har Sinai. Rashi explains that this sanctification involved three key elements:

  • Separation from marital relations - Based on the Talmud (Shabbat 87a), the term "קדשתם" implies separation from physical intimacy as part of spiritual preparation.
  • Immersion in a mikveh - The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:3) understands the washing of clothes as symbolic of complete purification, which would include immersion.
  • Elevation to a higher spiritual plane - The Sforno notes that this process was necessary to raise the people to a level where they could receive the Torah directly from Hashem.

The Significance of the Two-Day Preparation

The Midrash (Mechilta) explains why Hashem specified "היום ומחר" (today and tomorrow):

  • The first day was for purification from any tumah (impurity) they had contracted in Egypt
  • The second day was for achieving positive holiness in preparation for the Divine revelation

Rabbeinu Bachya adds that the two days represent the dual aspects of Torah - the Written and Oral Law, both of which were given at Sinai.

Washing the Garments as Spiritual Preparation

The Kli Yakar offers a profound insight into the command to wash their clothes:

  • The physical act of laundering represented cleansing from the "soiled garments" of Egyptian culture and idolatrous influences
  • It symbolized the need to purify not just bodies but also one's external behaviors and interactions
  • This external purification would lead to internal spiritual refinement

The Ohr HaChaim emphasizes that this washing was not merely about cleanliness, but about achieving a state where their very clothing would reflect their elevated spiritual status as they stood before Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 3b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the sanctification process before receiving the Torah, emphasizing the importance of preparation and purification.
📖 Shabbat 86b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the timeline of events leading up to the giving of the Torah, particularly the days of preparation and sanctification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to 'sanctify' the people in Exodus 19:10?
A: According to Rashi, 'sanctify them' means the people needed to prepare themselves spiritually for the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. This involved separating from worldly matters, focusing on purity, and elevating themselves to a higher spiritual level.
Q: Why did the people need to wash their clothes before receiving the Torah?
A: The Rambam explains that washing clothes was part of the physical preparation for the divine revelation. Just as the body must be clean, so too must one's garments—symbolizing external purity to reflect inner holiness before standing before Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of the two-day preparation ('today and tomorrow') in Exodus 19:10?
A: The Midrash teaches that the two days represent both physical and spiritual preparation. 'Today' refers to immediate actions like washing clothes, while 'tomorrow' signifies deeper spiritual refinement—showing that proper readiness for divine encounters requires time and effort.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 20b) derives from this verse that physical cleanliness is connected to spiritual purity. Just as Bnei Yisrael prepared to receive the Torah, we too must approach Torah study and mitzvot with reverence, ensuring both our bodies and surroundings reflect holiness.
Q: Why did Hashem command this preparation specifically through Moshe?
A: Rashi notes that Moshe, as the leader, was responsible for guiding the people in their spiritual elevation. This teaches that Torah leaders help the community prepare for sacred moments—emphasizing the importance of following rabbinic guidance in matters of kedushah (holiness).