Moses Sets the Words Before the Elders of the People

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 19:7

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Moses came" (Exodus 19:7): this teaches that he did not go to his house and did not turn aside to other occupations. "And he called for the elders of the people": this teaches that Moses showed honor to the elders; this teaches that the elders take precedence over all Israel; this teaches that Moses made use of the elders of his generation. "And he set before them": he arranged them in order before them. "And he set before them"—he made their eyes shine with them [made the matters clear to them]. Another interpretation: "And he set before them"—he stated first things first and last things last. "All these words that the LORD had commanded him": even the women.

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