share torah logo

Numbers 33:15 - Journey to Sinai's revelation

Numbers 33:15 - במדבר 33:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵרְפִידִם וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּמִדְבַּר סִינָי׃

English Translation

And they departed from Refidim, and pitched in the wilderness of Sinay.

Transliteration

Va'yis'u me'Refidim va'yachanu be'midbar Sinai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵרְפִידִ֑ם וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר סִינָֽי׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵרְפִידִ֑ם וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר סִינָֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Journey from Refidim to Sinai

The verse (Shemot 19:2) describes Bnei Yisrael's departure from Refidim and their encampment in the wilderness of Sinai. Rashi explains that their arrival at Sinai was on Rosh Chodesh Sivan, marking the beginning of the preparations for Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah). The journey from Refidim to Sinai symbolizes a spiritual ascent, as Refidim was a place of testing (from the root "רפיון" – weakness, as Bnei Yisrael had faltered in faith there, see Shemot 17:7), whereas Sinai represents the pinnacle of divine revelation.

Significance of Encamping at Sinai

The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that the phrase "וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּמִדְבַּר סִינַי" is written in the singular form ("ויחן"), unlike other encampments which use the plural ("ויחנו"). This teaches that at Sinai, Bnei Yisrael were united "כאיש אחד בלב אחד" – like one person with one heart, a prerequisite for receiving the Torah. Ramban elaborates that this unity was essential for the divine presence to rest upon them collectively.

Refidim as a Preparatory Stage

The Kli Yakar highlights that Refidim was a place where Bnei Yisrael faced two major challenges:

  • The battle with Amalek (Shemot 17:8-16), which tested their physical and spiritual resilience.
  • The lack of water (Shemot 17:1-7), which led to the episode of striking the rock at Massah u'Merivah.

These trials refined their faith, preparing them for the lofty experience of Matan Torah. The Sforno adds that overcoming these challenges demonstrated their readiness to accept the Torah with complete commitment.

The Wilderness of Sinai as a Place of Humility

The Talmud (Eruvin 54a) derives from the location – a barren wilderness – that Torah is only acquired by those who humble themselves like a desert. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that Sinai, a lowly and ownerless place, symbolizes that Torah is accessible to all who approach it with humility, free from arrogance and personal agendas.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Israelites travel from Refidim to the wilderness of Sinai?
A: The journey from Refidim to the wilderness of Sinai was a crucial step in the Israelites' journey because it was at Mount Sinai where they would receive the Torah. According to Rashi, this location was chosen by Hashem as the site for the giving of the Torah, marking a foundational moment in Jewish history.
Q: What is the significance of the wilderness of Sinai in the Torah?
A: The wilderness of Sinai is significant because it was the place where the Jewish people received the Torah directly from Hashem. The Midrash teaches that Sinai was chosen for its humility—a desert is a neutral, ownerless place, symbolizing that Torah is accessible to all who seek it with sincerity.
Q: How does the journey to Sinai apply to us today?
A: The journey to Sinai teaches us the importance of preparation and readiness to receive Torah. Just as the Israelites had to physically and spiritually prepare for Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah), we must also cultivate humility and openness in our own Torah learning. The Rambam emphasizes that Torah study is a lifelong journey requiring dedication.
Q: What does the Torah mean by 'they pitched in the wilderness of Sinai'?
A: The phrase 'they pitched in the wilderness of Sinai' indicates that the Israelites encamped there as a unified nation (Rashi notes they were 'like one person with one heart'). This unity was essential for receiving the Torah, teaching us that harmony among the Jewish people is a prerequisite for spiritual growth.