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Exodus 19:9 - Divine revelation through Moshe's leadership

Exodus 19:9 - שמות 19:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי בָּא אֵלֶיךָ בְּעַב הֶעָנָן בַּעֲבוּר יִשְׁמַע הָעָם בְּדַבְּרִי עִמָּךְ וְגַם־בְּךָ יַאֲמִינוּ לְעוֹלָם וַיַּגֵּד מֹשֶׁה אֶת־דִּבְרֵי הָעָם אֶל־יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Lo, I come to thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moshe told the words of the people to the Lord.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Moshe hineh anochi ba elekha be'av he'anan ba'avur yishma ha'am bedabri imakh vegam-bekha ya'aminu le'olam vayaged Moshe et-divrei ha'am el-Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י בָּ֣א אֵלֶ֘יךָ֮ בְּעַ֣ב הֶֽעָנָן֒ בַּעֲב֞וּר יִשְׁמַ֤ע הָעָם֙ בְּדַבְּרִ֣י עִמָּ֔ךְ וְגַם־בְּךָ֖ יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לְעוֹלָ֑ם וַיַּגֵּ֥ד מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם אֶל־יְהֹוָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה הִנֵּ֨ה אָנֹכִ֜י בָּ֣א אֵלֶ֘יךָ֮ בְּעַ֣ב הֶֽעָנָן֒ בַּעֲב֞וּר יִשְׁמַ֤ע הָעָם֙ בְּדַבְּרִ֣י עִמָּ֔ךְ וְגַם־בְּךָ֖ יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ לְעוֹלָ֑ם וַיַּגֵּ֥ד מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֥י הָעָ֖ם אֶל־יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Revelation in the Cloud

The verse (Shemot 19:9) describes Hashem's intention to reveal Himself to Moshe in a thick cloud (av he'anan) so that the people would hear His words and believe in Moshe's prophecy eternally. Rashi explains that this cloud was not merely for concealment but served as a purification process, akin to how a mikveh purifies. The cloud symbolized the sanctity required for divine communication, preparing Bnei Yisrael for Matan Torah.

The Purpose of Public Revelation

Hashem's declaration emphasizes that the people must hear His words directly to solidify their faith in Moshe's leadership. The Ramban notes that this public revelation was essential to prevent future doubts about Moshe's authenticity. Unlike other prophets who received private visions, Moshe's prophecy was validated openly at Har Sinai, establishing an unshakable foundation for Torah authority.

Eternal Faith in Moshe's Prophecy

The phrase "ve'gam becha ya'aminu le'olam" ("and believe thee for ever") underscores the unique status of Moshe as the definitive prophet. The Talmud (Yevamot 47b) derives from this that one who denies Moshe's prophecy has no share in the World to Come. The Sforno adds that this eternal belief extends to the entire Torah, as Moshe's transmission of divine law remains binding for all generations.

Moses as the Intermediary

The concluding phrase—"vayaged Moshe et divrei ha'am el Hashem"—highlights Moshe's role as the faithful intermediary. Ibn Ezra explains that Moshe consistently conveyed the people's words accurately, without alteration, demonstrating his integrity. This mutual trust between Hashem, Moshe, and Klal Yisrael became the model for all future Torah leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the divine revelation at Mount Sinai and the importance of the people hearing God's voice to strengthen their faith in Moses.
📖 Shabbat 88a
The verse is cited in the context of the Israelites' acceptance of the Torah and their belief in Moses as God's messenger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem came in a thick cloud (Exodus 19:9)?
A: Rashi explains that the thick cloud (עב הענן) symbolizes Hashem's presence being concealed to some degree, as humans cannot fully perceive His glory. The cloud also served as a protective barrier for Bnei Yisrael, as experiencing Hashem's full revelation would be overwhelming (based on Mechilta).
Q: Why did Hashem want the people to hear Him speak with Moshe (Exodus 19:9)?
A: The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim) teaches that this public revelation was to establish Moshe's prophecy beyond doubt. By hearing Hashem speak directly to Moshe, the entire nation would have absolute faith in his role as Hashem's true messenger, preventing future doubts about the Torah's divine origin.
Q: What does 'believe thee forever' mean in this verse (Exodus 19:9)?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) explains this refers to the eternal nature of the Jewish people's faith. The experience at Har Sinai created an unbreakable bond of belief that would sustain Am Yisrael through all generations, as the Midrash Tanchuma adds that even future converts are connected to this moment.
Q: Why did Moshe need to tell Hashem the people's words (Exodus 19:9)?
A: Rashi notes this refers back to verse 8 where Bnei Yisrael declared 'All that Hashem has spoken we will do.' Moshe conveyed their acceptance to show their willingness to receive the Torah. The Sforno adds that this demonstrated Moshe's role as the faithful intermediary between Hashem and His people.
Q: How does this verse relate to Matan Torah (Giving of the Torah)?
A: This verse sets the stage for the revelation at Sinai. The Ohr HaChaim explains that the public divine communication was necessary to establish the authenticity of the entire Torah. The thick cloud represents how Torah, while divine, requires human interpretation through proper channels (Moshe and later sages), as developed in the Talmudic tradition.