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Exodus 19:14 - Preparing for Divine Revelation

Exodus 19:14 - שמות 19:14

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּרֶד מֹשֶׁה מִן־הָהָר אֶל־הָעָם וַיְקַדֵּשׁ אֶת־הָעָם וַיְכַבְּסוּ שִׂמְלֹתָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

Transliteration

Va'yered Moshe min-ha'har el-ha'am va'yekadesh et-ha'am va'yechab'su simlotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֧רֶד מֹשֶׁ֛ה מִן־הָהָ֖ר אֶל־הָעָ֑ם וַיְקַדֵּשׁ֙ אֶת־הָעָ֔ם וַֽיְכַבְּס֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָֽם׃
וַיֵּ֧רֶד מֹשֶׁ֛ה מִן־הָהָ֖ר אֶל־הָעָ֑ם וַיְקַדֵּשׁ֙ אֶת־הָעָ֔ם וַֽיְכַבְּס֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 19:14) describes Moshe Rabbeinu descending from Har Sinai to prepare Bnei Yisrael for Matan Torah. The sanctification process was essential to elevate the nation to a state of purity before receiving the Torah, as emphasized in the preceding verses (Shemot 19:10-11).

Sanctification and Preparation

Rashi explains that Moshe sanctified the people by instructing them in the laws of family purity and immersion (טבילה), ensuring they were spiritually prepared for the divine revelation. The Ramban adds that this sanctification included distancing from worldly matters and focusing entirely on the upcoming encounter with Hashem.

Significance of Washing Garments

The act of washing garments (ויכבסו שמלתם) is interpreted by the Mechilta as both a physical and symbolic purification. The Talmud (Shabbat 86a) notes that this washing was a requirement for achieving taharah (ritual purity), as clothing can absorb spiritual impurity. The Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 11) further teaches that this act demonstrated Bnei Yisrael's commitment to holiness, as even their external garments—representing worldly involvement—needed purification.

Lessons for Spiritual Readiness

  • Physical and Spiritual Preparation: The Sforno emphasizes that true readiness for divine service requires both external actions (like washing clothes) and internal refinement (through mitzvot and tefillah).
  • Holiness in Daily Life: The Ohr HaChaim highlights that the washing of garments teaches us to sanctify even mundane aspects of life, elevating them for higher purposes.
  • Communal Responsibility: The Kli Yakar notes that Moshe's role in sanctifying the people underscores the importance of leadership in guiding collective spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 86b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the events at Mount Sinai, particularly regarding the sanctification of the people and their preparation for receiving the Torah.
📖 Yoma 4b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the sanctification process and the importance of physical and spiritual preparation for divine encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe 'sanctified the people' in Exodus 19:14?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe prepared the people to receive the Torah by instructing them in the laws of purity and separation from worldly matters. Sanctification (קדושה) involved both physical preparations (like washing clothes) and spiritual readiness to stand before Hashem at Mount Sinai.
Q: Why did the people wash their clothes before receiving the Torah?
A: The Rambam explains that washing garments was part of the purification process required before encountering the Divine Presence, similar to how the Kohanim prepare for service in the Mishkan. The Midrash Tanchuma adds that this teaches us the importance of both physical and spiritual cleanliness when approaching holy matters.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 19:14 about preparing for mitzvot?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse establishes a principle: just as Bnei Yisrael prepared physically and spiritually for Matan Torah, we too should approach mitzvot with proper preparation and reverence. For example, we wear special clothes for Shabbat and Yom Tov to honor the sanctity of the day, following this model.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Moshe descending the mountain before sanctifying the people?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that Moshe had to physically separate from the mountain's holiness to relate to the people's level and guide them in their ascent. This teaches leaders to meet people where they are while elevating them toward greater spirituality.
Q: How does Exodus 19:14 connect to the broader narrative of Matan Torah?
A: The Mechilta notes this verse begins the three-day preparation period before Revelation (Shavuot). Just as our ancestors needed purification to receive the Torah, we annually prepare for Shavuot through study and self-improvement, as codified in the Shulchan Aruch's laws of Sefirat HaOmer.