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Exodus 19:17 - Meeting God at Sinai

Exodus 19:17 - שמות 19:17

Hebrew Text

וַיּוֹצֵא מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הָעָם לִקְרַאת הָאֱלֹהִים מִן־הַמַּחֲנֶה וַיִּתְיַצְּבוּ בְּתַחְתִּית הָהָר׃

English Translation

And Moshe brought the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

Transliteration

Vayotze Moshe et-ha'am likrat ha'Elohim min-hamachane vayityatzevu betachtit hahar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיּוֹצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֧ה אֶת־הָעָ֛ם לִקְרַ֥את הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים מִן־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ בְּתַחְתִּ֥ית הָהָֽר׃
וַיּוֹצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֧ה אֶת־הָעָ֛ם לִקְרַ֥את הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים מִן־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ בְּתַחְתִּ֥ית הָהָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 19:17) comments that the phrase "וַיּוֹצֵא מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הָעָם" ("And Moshe brought the people out") emphasizes Moshe's active role in preparing Bnei Yisrael for the monumental event of Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah). He notes that Moshe led them out "לִקְרַאת הָאֱלֹהִים" ("to meet with God")—a phrase indicating reverence and readiness, as one would prepare to greet a king.

Positioning at Har Sinai

The phrase "וַיִּתְיַצְּבוּ בְּתַחְתִּית הָהָר" ("they stood at the foot of the mountain") is interpreted in Mechilta (Yitro, Massekhta DeBaChodesh 3) as demonstrating Bnei Yisrael's complete unity and submission to Hashem’s will. The Midrash (Shabbat 88a) further elaborates that Hashem "held the mountain over them like a barrel," symbolizing their total acceptance of the Torah—not just willingly, but with absolute commitment.

Rambam's Perspective on Preparation

Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) derives from this verse the principle that receiving the Torah requires active preparation and elevation of one’s spiritual state. Just as Moshe brought the people out of their ordinary camp setting to stand before Har Sinai, so too must every Jew approach Torah study and mitzvot with intentionality and reverence.

Symbolism of "תַחְתִּית הָהָר"

  • Humility: The Kli Yakar (Shemot 19:17) explains that standing at the base of the mountain signifies humility—essential for accepting the Torah.
  • Foundation: The Sforno notes that "תַחְתִּית" implies a firm stance, as if the people were rooted there, reflecting their unwavering commitment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is discussed in the context of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the people's stance at the foot of the mountain and their acceptance of the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Moshe brought the people out of the camp to meet God?
A: According to Rashi, this verse describes how Moshe led the Jewish people out of their ordinary camp setting to prepare them for the monumental event of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. It signifies a transition from physical concerns to spiritual readiness to encounter the Divine.
Q: Why did the people stand at the foot of the mountain?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) explains that the phrase 'at the foot of the mountain' (b'tachtit hahar) suggests that God lifted the mountain over them like a barrel, emphasizing the special nature of their acceptance of the Torah. This shows how the Jewish people willingly entered into a covenant with God.
Q: What can we learn from how the people prepared to receive the Torah?
A: The Midrash teaches that the people's willingness to leave their camp and stand together shows the importance of unity and proper preparation when approaching sacred matters. Just as they prepared themselves physically and spiritually at Sinai, we too should prepare ourselves properly when engaging with Torah study and mitzvot.
Q: How does this event at Mount Sinai apply to us today?
A: The Rambam explains that the revelation at Sinai established the foundation of our faith and Torah observance for all generations. Every Jew today is connected to that moment when our ancestors stood at the mountain's base to receive God's word, making it eternally relevant to Jewish life and practice.
Q: Why is this moment at Mount Sinai so important in Judaism?
A: This event marks the only time in history when an entire nation collectively experienced divine revelation, as noted by many commentators including Ibn Ezra. It established the authenticity of Torah and our covenant with God, serving as the basis for all Jewish belief and practice throughout the generations.