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Exodus 19:18 - Divine fire shakes Sinai.

Exodus 19:18 - שמות 19:18

Hebrew Text

וְהַר סִינַי עָשַׁן כֻּלּוֹ מִפְּנֵי אֲשֶׁר יָרַד עָלָיו יְהוָה בָּאֵשׁ וַיַּעַל עֲשָׁנוֹ כְּעֶשֶׁן הַכִּבְשָׁן וַיֶּחֱרַד כָּל־הָהָר מְאֹד׃

English Translation

And mount Sinay smoked in every part, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke of it ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

Transliteration

Vehar Sinai ashan kulo mipnei asher yarad alav Adonai ba'esh vaya'al ashan'o ke'eshan hakivshan vayecherad kol-hahar me'od.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַ֤ר סִינַי֙ עָשַׁ֣ן כֻּלּ֔וֹ מִ֠פְּנֵ֠י אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָרַ֥ד עָלָ֛יו יְהֹוָ֖ה בָּאֵ֑שׁ וַיַּ֤עַל עֲשָׁנוֹ֙ כְּעֶ֣שֶׁן הַכִּבְשָׁ֔ן וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד כׇּל־הָהָ֖ר מְאֹֽד׃
וְהַ֤ר סִינַי֙ עָשַׁ֣ן כֻּלּ֔וֹ מִ֠פְּנֵ֠י אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָרַ֥ד עָלָ֛יו יְהֹוָ֖ה בָּאֵ֑שׁ וַיַּ֤עַל עֲשָׁנוֹ֙ כְּעֶ֣שֶׁן הַכִּבְשָׁ֔ן וַיֶּחֱרַ֥ד כׇּל־הָהָ֖ר מְאֹֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Smoke and Fire at Har Sinai

The verse describes the dramatic scene at Har Sinai during Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), where the mountain was entirely enveloped in smoke due to Hashem's descent in fire. Rashi (Shemos 19:18) explains that the smoke arose because Hashem descended in fire—this was not an ordinary fire, but the Divine Presence itself manifesting in a form that human perception could grasp. The comparison to a furnace (כִּבְשָׁן) emphasizes the intensity and all-encompassing nature of this revelation.

The Quaking of the Mountain

The trembling of Har Sinai (וַיֶּחֱרַד כָּל־הָהָר מְאֹד) signifies the awe-inspiring nature of the event. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 29:4) teaches that the entire world trembled at this moment, not just the mountain, because the giving of the Torah was a foundational event for all of creation. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:64) suggests that such physical manifestations were necessary to impress upon Bnei Yisrael the gravity of the moment and the uniqueness of Divine revelation.

Symbolism of the Smoke and Fire

  • Smoke as a Veil: The Ibn Ezra (Shemos 19:18) notes that the smoke served as a barrier, indicating that while Hashem revealed Himself, His full essence remained hidden—a reminder of the limitations of human perception of the Divine.
  • Fire as Torah: The Talmud (Taanit 7a) compares Torah to fire, as both are essential for life but must be approached with reverence. The fire at Har Sinai symbolizes the Torah's purifying and illuminating power.
  • Furnace Imagery: The comparison to a furnace (כִּבְשָׁן) may allude to the refining process of Avraham Avinu in the furnace of Ur Kasdim (Bereishis Rabbah 38:13), linking the giving of the Torah to the legacy of our forefathers' devotion.

The Purpose of the Dramatic Display

Ramban (Shemos 19:18) explains that these awe-inspiring phenomena were meant to instill yiras Shamayim (fear of Heaven) in Bnei Yisrael, ensuring they would take the acceptance of the Torah with utmost seriousness. The Sforno adds that the trembling mountain demonstrated that even nature itself submits to Hashem's will, reinforcing the idea that Torah is the blueprint of creation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 89a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the revelation at Mount Sinai and the awe-inspiring nature of the event.
📖 Megillah 29a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the divine presence and the manifestations of God's glory at Mount Sinai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Mount Sinai smoke when Hashem descended upon it?
A: According to Rashi, the smoke and fire were signs of Hashem's presence, demonstrating His holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of the giving of the Torah. The smoke was like that of a furnace to show that the Torah is as essential to the world as fire.
Q: What does it mean that the whole mountain trembled greatly?
A: The Midrash explains that the trembling of Mount Sinai symbolizes the earth's reaction to the momentous event of Hashem revealing Himself to give the Torah. It teaches us the immense significance of Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah) and how the world itself was moved by this divine revelation.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is crucial because it describes the awe-inspiring moment when Hashem revealed Himself at Mount Sinai to give the Torah to the Jewish people. Rambam teaches that this event established the foundation of our faith, proving that the Torah is divine and not man-made.
Q: How does the imagery of fire and smoke apply to us today?
A: The fire and smoke remind us of the Torah's eternal relevance. Just as fire purifies and illuminates, the Torah refines our character and enlightens our path. The Talmud (Berachot 22a) teaches that Torah study should always be approached with the same reverence as at Mount Sinai.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the trembling of Mount Sinai?
A: The trembling teaches us that receiving the Torah requires humility and awe. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) says that the mountain was chosen because it was the humblest of mountains, reminding us that Torah is acquired through humility and reverence for Hashem.