<b>And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there (Exod. 34:5).</b> How fortunate was Moses was that he could come before the Omnipresent while no angel or seraph was able to do so! Two people discussed this verse. One said that Moses was drawn into the cloud, and ascended into the firmament like a colias<sup class="footnote-marker">37</sup><i class="footnote">A type of bird, butterfly or fish.</i> until he reached the Holy One, blessed be He, as it is said: <i>And stood with him there. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed</i> (ibid., v. 6). He taught Moses how to plead in defense of Israel. He said to him: Tell Me about the merits of the patriarchs; remind Me of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, My servants. Were it not for their merit I would destroy them, but now and henceforth it will be said: <i>The Lord, merciful and gracious</i> (ibid.). The Holy One, blessed be He, declared: I taught Moses to speak in their defense in this world, but in the future <i>I that speak in victory, mighty to save</i>, (Isa. 63:1); that is, I shall speak in their behalf.