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Exodus 33:13 - Seeking Divine intimacy through Torah

Exodus 33:13 - שמות 33:13

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה אִם־נָא מָצָאתִי חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ הוֹדִעֵנִי נָא אֶת־דְּרָכֶךָ וְאֵדָעֲךָ לְמַעַן אֶמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ וּרְאֵה כִּי עַמְּךָ הַגּוֹי הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find favour in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.

Transliteration

Ve'ata im-na matzati chen be'einecha hodi'eni na et-drachecha ve'eda'acha lema'an emtza-chen be'einecha ure'e ki amcha hagoy haze.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֡ה אִם־נָא֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּעֵינֶ֗יךָ הוֹדִעֵ֤נִי נָא֙ אֶת־דְּרָכֶ֔ךָ וְאֵדָ֣עֲךָ֔ לְמַ֥עַן אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ וּרְאֵ֕ה כִּ֥י עַמְּךָ֖ הַגּ֥וֹי הַזֶּֽה׃
וְעַתָּ֡ה אִם־נָא֩ מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּעֵינֶ֗יךָ הוֹדִעֵ֤נִי נָא֙ אֶת־דְּרָכֶ֔ךָ וְאֵדָ֣עֲךָ֔ לְמַ֥עַן אֶמְצָא־חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ וּרְאֵ֕ה כִּ֥י עַמְּךָ֖ הַגּ֥וֹי הַזֶּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 33:13) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's plea to Hashem after the sin of the Golden Calf. Following the breaking of the first Luchot and the subsequent forgiveness, Moshe seeks deeper understanding of Hashem's ways to properly lead Bnei Yisrael.

Moshe's Request for Divine Knowledge

Rashi explains that Moshe was asking for two things:

  • To understand Hashem's system of governing the world ("הוֹדִעֵנִי אֶת־דְּרָכֶךָ")
  • To truly know Hashem's essence ("וְאֵדָעֲךָ")

The Ramban adds that Moshe wanted to comprehend why the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked prosper - the fundamental question of divine justice.

The Phrase "לְמַעַן אֶמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ"

The Sforno explains that Moshe was requesting this knowledge not for personal benefit, but:

  • To properly fulfill his role as leader
  • To be able to explain Hashem's ways to the people
  • To strengthen their faith during difficult times

"וּרְאֵה כִּי עַמְּךָ הַגּוֹי הַזֶּה"

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that Moshe was reminding Hashem of His special relationship with Klal Yisrael. Even after their sin, they remained His chosen nation. The Midrash Tanchuma notes that Moshe was advocating for them, emphasizing their status as Hashem's people despite their mistakes.

Practical Lessons

The Malbim derives several important principles from this verse:

  • The importance of seeking to understand Hashem's ways in the world
  • That knowledge of Hashem leads to finding favor in His eyes
  • That leaders must intercede on behalf of their people
  • The eternal bond between Hashem and Am Yisrael

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Moses' request to know God's ways and how God responds to such requests.
📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the merit of the Jewish people and their relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Moshe asking for in Exodus 33:13?
A: Moshe is asking Hashem to reveal His ways to him so that he can better understand and know Hashem. This comes after the sin of the Golden Calf, as Moshe seeks to rebuild the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people (Rashi on Exodus 33:13).
Q: Why does Moshe say 'consider that this nation is Your people'?
A: Moshe is reminding Hashem of His special bond with the Jewish people. Even after their mistake with the Golden Calf, they remain His chosen nation. This teaches us about the enduring relationship between Hashem and Israel (Sforno on Exodus 33:13).
Q: What does it mean to 'find favor in Your sight'?
A: To 'find favor' means to be pleasing or acceptable before Hashem. Moshe is expressing humility, acknowledging that any divine revelation is an act of kindness, not something he inherently deserves (Ramban on Exodus 33:13).
Q: How can we apply Moshe's request to know Hashem's ways in our lives today?
A: Just as Moshe sought to understand Hashem's ways, we too should strive to learn Torah and mitzvot to come closer to Hashem. The Midrash teaches that studying Torah is the primary way we come to know Hashem's will (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayera 1).
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse represents the ideal relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people - one of closeness, understanding and mutual commitment. The Talmud sees this as a model for how we should approach our service of Hashem (Berachos 7a).