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Exodus 19:20 - Divine descent summons Moshe upward

Exodus 19:20 - שמות 19:20

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּרֶד יְהוָה עַל־הַר סִינַי אֶל־רֹאשׁ הָהָר וַיִּקְרָא יְהוָה לְמֹשֶׁה אֶל־רֹאשׁ הָהָר וַיַּעַל מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And the Lord came down upon mount Sinay, on the top of the mountain: and the Lord called Moshe up to the top of the mount; and Moshe went up.

Transliteration

Va'yered Adonai al Har Sinai el rosh ha'har va'yikra Adonai le'Moshe el rosh ha'har va'ya'al Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֧רֶד יְהֹוָ֛ה עַל־הַ֥ר סִינַ֖י אֶל־רֹ֣אשׁ הָהָ֑ר וַיִּקְרָ֨א יְהֹוָ֧ה לְמֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל־רֹ֥אשׁ הָהָ֖ר וַיַּ֥עַל מֹשֶֽׁה׃
וַיֵּ֧רֶד יְהֹוָ֛ה עַל־הַ֥ר סִינַ֖י אֶל־רֹ֣אשׁ הָהָ֑ר וַיִּקְרָ֨א יְהֹוָ֧ה לְמֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל־רֹ֥אשׁ הָהָ֖ר וַיַּ֥עַל מֹשֶֽׁה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Descent of Hashem Upon Har Sinai

The verse states, "וַיֵּרֶד יְהוָה עַל־הַר סִינַי" ("And the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai"). Rashi (Shemos 19:20) explains that this descent was not a physical movement, as Hashem is beyond spatial limitations, but rather a manifestation of the Divine Presence in a way perceptible to human understanding. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 12:3) elaborates that Hashem "lowered" His presence to the mountain to emphasize the significance of the Torah's revelation to Bnei Yisrael.

The Calling of Moshe to the Summit

The verse continues, "וַיִּקְרָא יְהוָה לְמֹשֶׁה אֶל־רֹאשׁ הָהָר" ("And the Lord called Moshe to the top of the mountain"). The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:65) teaches that this "calling" signifies a unique prophetic experience, elevating Moshe above all other prophets. The Talmud (Yevamos 49b) states that Moshe's prophecy was distinct in its clarity, as he received the Torah directly from Hashem without intermediary.

Moshe's Ascent: A Model of Obedience and Leadership

The conclusion of the verse, "וַיַּעַל מֹשֶׁה" ("And Moshe went up"), highlights his unwavering commitment to fulfilling Hashem's command. The Sforno (Shemos 19:20) notes that Moshe's immediate ascent demonstrates his complete readiness to serve as the conduit for transmitting the Torah. The Midrash Tanchuma (Yisro 13) adds that Moshe's ascent symbolizes the spiritual elevation required to receive and transmit the Divine word.

Key Themes in Orthodox Jewish Interpretation

  • Divine Accommodation: Hashem's "descent" reflects His willingness to make the Torah accessible to humanity (Malbim, Shemos 19:20).
  • Moshe's Unique Role: His calling underscores his unparalleled prophetic stature (Rambam, Yesodei HaTorah 7:6).
  • Immediate Compliance: Moshe's ascent models the ideal response to Divine command (Kli Yakar, Shemos 19:20).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the divine presence descending upon the mountain.
📖 Megillah 29a
The verse is cited to illustrate the concept of God's presence descending to earth, particularly in relation to the revelation at Sinai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem 'came down' on Mount Sinai?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem 'came down' in a way that was visible and tangible to teach us that the Torah was given in a way that all of Israel could experience. It emphasizes that the revelation at Sinai was a real, historical event witnessed by the entire nation.
Q: Why did Hashem call Moshe to the top of the mountain?
A: According to the Midrash (Shemos Rabbah), Moshe was called up to receive the Torah as the representative of the Jewish people. The Rambam teaches that this shows Moshe's unique role as the intermediary through whom Hashem gave the Torah to Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe going up the mountain when called?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4b) derives from this that we should be eager to perform mitzvos, just as Moshe immediately ascended when called. This teaches us the importance of alacrity in serving Hashem.
Q: Why is Mount Sinai important in Judaism?
A: As the Mechilta explains, Mount Sinai is where the Jewish people received the Torah directly from Hashem. This event established our covenant with G-d and is the foundation of Jewish belief and practice. The mountain's humility (it wasn't the tallest) also teaches us important values.
Q: How does the revelation at Sinai apply to Jews today?
A: The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 8:1) teaches that our belief in Torah is based on this national revelation, not just miracles. Every Jew today is connected to this event, as our ancestors who stood at Sinai accepted the Torah for all future generations.