The story, as retold by Ginzberg in Legends of the Jews, introduces us to this angel, a being named Hadarniel. This angel, it's said, towers over his brethren, exceeding them by sixty myriads of parasangs. Now, a parasang is an ancient unit of distance, so we're talking about a truly colossal being. And that's not all. Every word that booms from his mouth unleashes twelve thousand flashes of fiery lightning! Can you imagine the sheer, raw power?
So, Moses arrives, ready to receive the Torah (the sacred Jewish scripture), and Hadarniel roars, "What are you doing here, son of Amram, here on the spot of the Holy and High?" The nerve! According to this account, Moses, understandably, gets a little freaked out. His eyes fill with tears, and he nearly plummets right out of the cloud.
But here's where it gets interesting. God intervenes. "You angels," He says, essentially, "have been nothing but trouble since day one!" The text recalls how the angels initially protested God’s plan to create Adam, questioning humanity's worth. Remember that? "What is man that Thou art mindful of him!" they supposedly cried. And God, none too pleased, apparently incinerated a bunch of them with a flick of His "little finger." Talk about divine discipline!
God continues, reminding the angels that Moses is there on a mission, to receive the Torah and bring it down to the Israelites. He makes it clear that without Israel accepting the Torah, the angels themselves would lose their place in heaven. Heavy stuff!
Hadarniel, upon hearing this divine reprimand, quickly changes his tune. "O Lord of the world!" he exclaims. "I didn't realize he was here with your permission. Now that I know, I'll be his messenger, like a disciple before his master." It's a complete 180!
And so, this mighty angel, who moments before was ready to blast Moses into oblivion, humbly runs before him, leading the way. According to the narrative, they reach the fire of Sandalfon, another powerful angel, where Hadarniel stops, warning Moses, "Go, turn about, for I may not stay in this spot, or the fire of Sandalfon will scorch me." Even mighty angels have their limits, it seems.
What does this story from Legends of the Jews (drawing, no doubt, on even older traditions) tell us? Perhaps it's about the importance of humility, even for the most powerful beings. Or maybe it’s about the unique and vital role of the Jewish people and the Torah in the cosmic order. Or perhaps it’s a reminder that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles – like a lightning-spewing angel – divine intervention and a little bit of understanding can change everything.