Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'be ready by the third day' mean in Exodus 19:11?
A: Rashi explains that this command was given to the Jewish people to prepare themselves spiritually for receiving the Torah. They needed to purify themselves through immersion (mikveh), washing their clothes, and abstaining from physical relations to reach a state of holiness suitable for this divine encounter.
Q: Why did Hashem choose the third day to reveal Himself at Mount Sinai?
A: The Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 41) teaches that the third day is significant because it follows the pattern of 'on the third day' found in other important events (like Avraham's binding of Yitzchak). Additionally, the Talmud (Shabbat 86a) notes that three days were necessary for proper preparation—just as one doesn't approach a king without preparation, the Jewish people needed time to ready themselves for this monumental event.
Q: What is the significance of Hashem descending 'in the sight of all the people'?
A: Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) emphasizes that this public revelation was unique in history—every man, woman, and child directly experienced Hashem's presence. This established the authenticity of Torah and our national covenant with Hashem, as no other nation can claim such a mass revelation. The Talmud (Makot 23b) states this experience is the foundation of our faith.
Q: How do we apply the lesson of preparation from this verse today?
A: Just as our ancestors prepared for three days to receive the Torah, we prepare spiritually before Shavuot (the holiday commemorating Matan Torah). Many have the custom to study Pirkei Avot during this period (Mishna Berura 493:1), and some stay awake all night on Shavuot learning Torah (Magen Avraham 494:1) to show our eagerness to receive the Torah anew.
Q: Why was Mount Sinai chosen for the giving of the Torah?
A: The Midrash (Mechilta, Yitro 1) gives several reasons: 1) Sinai was a humble mountain, teaching that Torah is acquired through humility. 2) It was in no tribe's territory, showing Torah belongs to all Jews. 3) Its name ('Sinai') relates to 'sinah' (hatred), foreshadowing the hatred the nations would have toward those who uphold Torah (as explained in Rashi on Shir HaShirim 8:7).
Context in the Torah
The verse (Shemot 19:11) is part of Hashem's instructions to Moshe Rabbeinu in preparation for Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah) at Har Sinai. The people were commanded to sanctify themselves for three days in anticipation of this monumental event.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the "third day" refers to the third day of their preparations, not the third day from this command. This is because the command was given on Rosh Chodesh Sivan (1st of Sivan), and Matan Torah occurred on 6 Sivan. The three days of preparation were 4-6 Sivan.
The Significance of the Third Day
The Midrash (Mechilta) notes several important events that occurred on the "third day":
This establishes a pattern that the third day is a time of revelation and salvation.
Hashem "Coming Down"
The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:27) explains that the anthropomorphic language of Hashem "coming down" must be understood metaphorically, as Hashem has no physical form. It refers to the manifestation of Divine Presence and revelation to the people.
The Public Nature of the Revelation
The Talmud (Makkot 23b-24a) emphasizes that the phrase "in the sight of all the people" demonstrates the unique nature of Matan Torah - unlike other religions where the revelation was to a single individual, the entire Jewish people witnessed Hashem's revelation at Sinai.
Preparation for Revelation
The Sforno notes that the three days of preparation were necessary to achieve the proper spiritual state to receive the Torah. This included: