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Exodus 19:21 - Divine boundaries protect seekers.

Exodus 19:21 - שמות 19:21

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה רֵד הָעֵד בָּעָם פֶּן־יֶהֶרְסוּ אֶל־יְהוָה לִרְאוֹת וְנָפַל מִמֶּנּוּ רָב׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe red ha'ed ba'am pen-yehersu el-Adonai lir'ot ve'nafal mimeno rav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה רֵ֖ד הָעֵ֣ד בָּעָ֑ם פֶּן־יֶהֶרְס֤וּ אֶל־יְהֹוָה֙ לִרְא֔וֹת וְנָפַ֥ל מִמֶּ֖נּוּ רָֽב׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה רֵ֖ד הָעֵ֣ד בָּעָ֑ם פֶּן־יֶהֶרְס֤וּ אֶל־יְהֹוָה֙ לִרְא֔וֹת וְנָפַ֥ל מִמֶּ֖נּוּ רָֽב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 19:21) appears during the revelation at Har Sinai, where Hashem instructs Moshe to warn Bnei Yisrael not to approach the mountain excessively, lest they perish. The concern is that the people might attempt to "break through to gaze" at Hashem's presence, which would be spiritually and physically dangerous.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "פֶּן־יֶהֶרְסוּ אֶל־יְהוָה" ("lest they break through to the Lord") refers to the people pushing past the boundaries set around Har Sinai. He emphasizes that this would lead to death, as the sanctity of the Divine presence requires strict separation. Rashi also notes that Moshe was already on the mountain, yet Hashem told him to "go down," indicating that Moshe needed to descend to the people's level to properly convey the warning.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 1:5), Rambam discusses the limitations of human perception of the Divine. He explains that the warning against "gazing" at Hashem reflects the impossibility of fully comprehending Hashem's essence. The people's desire to "see" was misguided, as physical eyes cannot perceive the Divine in a literal sense.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 34a: The Talmud teaches that the boundaries around Har Sinai symbolize the need for reverence when approaching Torah and mitzvot. Just as the mountain was off-limits, certain spiritual matters require proper preparation and caution.
  • Mechilta: The Midrash states that the people's eagerness to "break through" stemmed from their intense desire for closeness to Hashem. However, this zeal needed to be channeled properly through obedience to Moshe's instructions.

Practical Lessons

This verse teaches:

  • The importance of respecting spiritual boundaries (gedarim) set by halacha and Torah leadership.
  • That even well-intentioned religious fervor must be balanced with discipline and submission to Divine commandments.
  • Moshe's role as the intermediary between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, emphasizing the necessity of proper Torah transmission through authorized channels.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the precautions taken during the revelation at Mount Sinai to prevent the people from breaking through to see God.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the consequences of the people's actions during the revelation at Mount Sinai and the importance of following divine commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 19:21 mean when it says 'lest they break through to the Lord to gaze'?
A: The verse warns the Israelites not to approach Mount Sinai too closely when Hashem reveals Himself, as His presence is overwhelming and dangerous to behold without proper preparation. Rashi explains that 'break through' refers to forcefully pushing past boundaries, and 'gaze' implies an improper attempt to perceive Hashem's presence directly, which could lead to harm.
Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to 'go down' and warn the people in Exodus 19:21?
A: Hashem instructed Moshe to descend from the mountain to establish clear boundaries for the people. According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah), this emphasizes the importance of respecting spiritual boundaries and the need for leaders to guide the community in proper conduct when encountering holiness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 19:21 about approaching holiness?
A: The verse teaches that holiness requires reverence and boundaries. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah) explains that one must approach divine matters with awe and caution, not casually or presumptuously. This applies today in how we treat mitzvos, Torah study, and sacred spaces.
Q: How does Exodus 19:21 relate to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai?
A: This verse is part of the preparation for Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) describes how the Israelites had to purify themselves and maintain distance, showing that receiving Torah requires both spiritual readiness and respect for its sanctity. The warning prevents over-familiarity with the Divine.
Q: What does 'and many of them perish' mean in Exodus 19:21?
A: The Torah warns that disregarding the boundaries around Hashem's presence could have severe consequences. Ibn Ezra explains that this reflects the principle that divine revelation is powerful and potentially dangerous to those unprepared. It underscores the need for humility when encountering kedushah (holiness).