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Exodus 19:7 - Elders receive divine covenant terms

Exodus 19:7 - שמות 19:7

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא מֹשֶׁה וַיִּקְרָא לְזִקְנֵי הָעָם וַיָּשֶׂם לִפְנֵיהֶם אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה אֲשֶׁר צִוָּהוּ יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And Moshe came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord had commanded him,

Transliteration

Va'yavo Moshe va'yikra l'ziknei ha'am va'yasem lifneihem et kol-ha'devarim ha'eleh asher tzivahu Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֣א מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיִּקְרָ֖א לְזִקְנֵ֣י הָעָ֑ם וַיָּ֣שֶׂם לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֖הוּ יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיָּבֹ֣א מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיִּקְרָ֖א לְזִקְנֵ֣י הָעָ֑ם וַיָּ֣שֶׂם לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם אֵ֚ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֖הוּ יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 19:7) explains that Moshe first approached the elders before addressing the entire nation as a sign of respect for their leadership position. This demonstrates the importance of honoring Torah scholars and community leaders, as they serve as intermediaries between the people and the divine commandments.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:1), Rambam emphasizes that Moshe's action establishes the principle of semichat zekeinim - the transmission of authority through elders. By presenting the commandments to the elders first, Moshe was initiating the chain of Torah transmission that would continue through subsequent generations of Jewish leadership.

Talmudic Insight

The Talmud (Yoma 4b) notes that this verse illustrates the proper protocol for teaching Torah: one should first teach the scholars before teaching the masses. This ensures accurate transmission and prevents misinterpretation of Torah law.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Mechilta (Yitro, Massechta DeBahodesh 3) explains that Moshe gathered the elders specifically because they had demonstrated their commitment to the Jewish people during the Egyptian bondage. Their leadership during difficult times earned them the privilege of being the first to receive the divine commandments.

Additional Commentators

  • Sforno: Suggests that Moshe presented the words "before them" (לִפְנֵיהֶם) to indicate he placed the matter directly in front of their intellects for proper understanding and acceptance.
  • Ohr HaChaim: Explains that the plural "words" (הַדְּבָרִים) refers to both the simple meaning of the commandments and their deeper mystical interpretations.
  • Malbim: Notes that this verse establishes the principle that Torah leaders must clearly articulate divine commandments without adding or omitting anything.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe call the elders of the people in Exodus 19:7?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe first approached the elders because they were the leaders and representatives of the Jewish people. By sharing Hashem's words with them first, he ensured proper transmission to the entire nation, showing respect for the chain of authority.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe laying out all the words before the elders?
A: The Midrash teaches that Moshe presented the commandments clearly and completely, without adding or omitting anything (Devarim Rabbah 3:13). This emphasizes the importance of transmitting Torah teachings accurately, a principle that applies to Torah study today.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Moshe communicated with the people in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot 1:7) derives from this that important matters should be shared through proper channels of leadership. Moshe's approach teaches us the value of respectful communication and organized dissemination of Torah wisdom.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that these were 'all the words' Hashem commanded?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 87a) explains this phrasing shows Moshe's complete faithfulness in transmitting exactly what he received. This establishes the principle that our Sages must teach Torah precisely as received through the chain of tradition from Moshe at Sinai.
Q: How does this verse connect to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai?
A: This verse (Exodus 19:7) begins the preparation for Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). The Ohr HaChaim explains that involving the elders first created unity before this monumental event, teaching us that receiving Torah requires communal preparation and leadership.