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Exodus 33:8 - Moses enters, people honor.

Exodus 33:8 - שמות 33:8

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה כְּצֵאת מֹשֶׁה אֶל־הָאֹהֶל יָקוּמוּ כָּל־הָעָם וְנִצְּבוּ אִישׁ פֶּתַח אָהֳלוֹ וְהִבִּיטוּ אַחֲרֵי מֹשֶׁה עַד־בֹּאוֹ הָאֹהֱלָה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when Moshe went out to the Tent, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moshe until he was gone into the Tent.

Transliteration

Vehaya ketzeit Moshe el-ha'ohel yakumu kol-ha'am venitzvu ish petach ohlo vehibitu acharei Moshe ad-bo'o ha'ohela.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה כְּצֵ֤את מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־הָאֹ֔הֶל יָק֙וּמוּ֙ כׇּל־הָעָ֔ם וְנִ֨צְּב֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ פֶּ֣תַח אׇהֳל֑וֹ וְהִבִּ֙יטוּ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֔ה עַד־בֹּא֖וֹ הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃
וְהָיָ֗ה כְּצֵ֤את מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־הָאֹ֔הֶל יָק֙וּמוּ֙ כׇּל־הָעָ֔ם וְנִ֨צְּב֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ פֶּ֣תַח אׇהֳל֑וֹ וְהִבִּ֙יטוּ֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֔ה עַד־בֹּא֖וֹ הָאֹֽהֱלָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 33:8) explains that the people would stand at the openings of their tents to show honor and respect to Moshe Rabbeinu as he walked to the Ohel Mo'ed (Tent of Meeting). This demonstrates the great reverence Bnei Yisrael had for Moshe, recognizing his elevated spiritual stature. Rashi further notes that the phrase "וְהִבִּיטוּ אַחֲרֵי מֹשֶׁה" ("and looked after Moshe") implies they would gaze at him with awe until he entered the tent.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot De'ot (6:3), Rambam discusses the importance of honoring Torah scholars, deriving from verses like this one. He explains that just as the people stood for Moshe, we learn the obligation to rise before those who possess Torah wisdom. This act of standing reflects the value of Torah leadership in Klal Yisrael.

Talmudic Insights

  • The Gemara (Kiddushin 33b) cites this verse as the source for the halacha that one must stand for a Torah scholar, deriving from the people's behavior toward Moshe.
  • In Yoma 4a, Chazal note that this practice continued throughout the 40 years in the wilderness, showing consistent reverence for Moshe's leadership.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 27) elaborates that the people's gazing after Moshe represented their longing for his spiritual presence. When Moshe entered the Ohel Mo'ed, the Shechinah would descend, and the people hoped some holiness would extend to them through Moshe's merit.

Sforno's Commentary

Sforno explains that the people's behavior demonstrated their recognition that Moshe served as their intermediary with Hashem. By watching him enter the Ohel Mo'ed, they showed their understanding that through Moshe, they could maintain their connection to the Divine Presence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the people stand and watch Moshe when he went to the Tent of Meeting?
A: According to Rashi, the people stood out of respect for Moshe as their leader and teacher. They watched him until he entered the Tent of Meeting to show their reverence and to learn from his actions. This teaches us the importance of honoring Torah scholars and leaders.
Q: What is the significance of the Tent of Meeting in this verse?
A: The Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed) was the place where Moshe communicated with Hashem. The Midrash explains that this was a temporary structure before the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was built. It symbolizes the connection between Hashem and the Jewish people, with Moshe serving as the intermediary.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the people's behavior in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 4b) derives from this verse the importance of showing respect to Torah scholars. Just as the people stood and watched Moshe with reverence, we should also honor those who teach and uphold the Torah. This applies today in how we treat rabbis and teachers.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that the people stood 'at their tent doors'?
A: Rashi explains that standing at their tent doors showed they were ready to receive Moshe's teachings. The Rambam adds that this demonstrates how the entire nation was united in their desire to connect with Hashem through Moshe. It teaches us the value of being prepared to learn Torah.
Q: How does this verse relate to our relationship with Torah leaders today?
A: Just as the Jewish people showed respect to Moshe, we must honor our Torah leaders today. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 244) rules that one must stand for a Torah scholar, deriving this law from our verse. This teaches us that respecting Torah leaders is an eternal mitzvah.