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Exodus 34:30 - Divine radiance frightens people?

Exodus 34:30 - שמות 34:30

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא אַהֲרֹן וְכָל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־מֹשֶׁה וְהִנֵּה קָרַן עוֹר פָּנָיו וַיִּירְאוּ מִגֶּשֶׁת אֵלָיו׃

English Translation

And when Aharon and all the children of Yisra᾽el saw Moshe, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come near him.

Transliteration

Va'yar Aharon ve'khol-bnei Yisra'et et-Moshe ve'hineh karan or panav va'yir'u migeshet eilav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨רְא אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְכׇל־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֔ה וְהִנֵּ֥ה קָרַ֖ן ע֣וֹר פָּנָ֑יו וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ מִגֶּ֥שֶׁת אֵלָֽיו׃
וַיַּ֨רְא אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְכׇל־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֔ה וְהִנֵּ֥ה קָרַ֖ן ע֣וֹר פָּנָ֑יו וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ מִגֶּ֥שֶׁת אֵלָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Radiance of Moshe's Face

The verse (Shemot 34:30) describes how Moshe's face shone after receiving the second set of Luchot (tablets) from Hashem. Rashi explains that this radiance (karan or panav) was a physical manifestation of the divine light Moshe absorbed during his 40 days on Har Sinai. The word karan is related to keren (horn), symbolizing rays of light projecting outward like horns.

Sources of the Radiance

  • Rashi (34:29) states the light came from the "ananei hakavod" (clouds of glory) where Moshe dwelled during his communion with Hashem.
  • Ramban (34:29) suggests it was a supernatural glow from the divine words Moshe received, which left a permanent sanctity on his countenance.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 37) teaches that when Moshe wrote the Torah, a small amount of ink remained on his face, creating this holy radiance.

Why Did Bnei Yisrael Fear Approaching?

The Talmud (Berachot 7a) explains their fear stemmed from the overwhelming sanctity they perceived. The Kli Yakar notes this was particularly striking because Aharon - who regularly experienced divine encounters - also hesitated. This demonstrates the unique level of Moshe's prophecy (navi lehavdil).

The Mask of Moshe

Rashi (34:33) explains Moshe began wearing a veil (masveh) when not communicating divine words, both to make his radiance bearable for the people and to preserve its sanctity. The Ohr HaChaim adds that the veil served as a boundary between the mundane and holy, teaching that divine revelation must be properly contained.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the radiance of Moses' face and its implications for leadership and divine communication.
📖 Shabbat 88b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the giving of the Torah and the unique relationship between Moses and the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe's face shine after speaking with Hashem?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 34:29), Moshe's face shone because some of the Divine light from his encounter with Hashem on Mount Sinai remained with him. This was a physical reflection of his spiritual elevation after receiving the Torah.
Q: Why were Aharon and Bnei Yisrael afraid to approach Moshe?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 47:6) explains that the radiance of Moshe's face was so intense that people were awestruck and hesitant to approach him. This teaches us about the profound spiritual impact of encountering holiness.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Moshe's shining face?
A: The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:37) teaches that this shows how deep Torah study and closeness to Hashem can transform a person both spiritually and even physically. It inspires us to value Torah learning and spiritual growth.
Q: Did Moshe know his face was shining?
A: Rashi (Exodus 34:29) notes that Moshe was unaware his face was shining until Hashem showed him this through a special sign. This teaches humility - that true spiritual greatness doesn't make a person self-aware of their own holiness.
Q: How is this event connected to the giving of the second tablets?
A: The Talmud (Bava Basra 75a) connects this radiance specifically to Moshe receiving the second tablets, showing that even after the sin of the golden calf, Hashem's forgiveness and renewed covenant brought special Divine light to Moshe and the Jewish people.