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The commandments were given in fearsome surroundings, through wondrous clouds, fire and trumpets while G-d inscribed the tablets of stone and handed them to Moses. However, the people were overwhelmed to the point that they feared death and beseeched Moses to step in as their representative to hear the words of G-d. G-d heeded their plea and allowed Moses to assume the role of intermediary. G-d then relayed to Moses the importance of listening to all of the commandments with no alteration, for they are the key to a full and extended life.
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| Thoughts to Consider and Discuss |
1. What specifically, frightens the people of Israel about listening to the words of G-d with their own ears?
2. What are the benefits and disadvantages of a “second hand” transmission of the commandments to the Israelites?
3. Do contemporary Jews express a similar need for intermediaries? What kind of concrete manifestations of the Divine do we seek or require today?
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And all the people perceived the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the sound of the shofar, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they were shaken, and stood afar off. And they said to Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not G-d speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said to the people, Fear not for G-d is come to test you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that you not sin. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where G-d was.”
Exodus 20:15-18
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 | | Points to Ponder | |
How does Exodus present this episode in contrast to our text? What are the differences between these two accounts?
What very different attitude does the Torah convey in the two accounts? What do they each say about building a relationship with the Divine?
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