Well, imagine standing at the foot of Mount Sinai, witnessing the revelation of the Ten Commandments. It wasn't exactly a gentle experience. In fact, it was so intense that, according to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 41, the Israelites actually died – metaphorically, but also, perhaps, more literally than we usually imagine.
The text tells us that the voice of the second commandment – "You shall have no other gods before me" – boomed forth, and the people were "quickened." This wasn't just a wake-up call; it was a resurrection! They'd been so overwhelmed that they'd collapsed, only to be brought back to life. Standing on their feet, they cried out to Moses: "Moses, our teacher! We are unable to hear any more the voice of the Holy One, blessed be He, for we shall die even as we died (just now)..."
Talk about a powerful moment! "Speak thou with us," they pleaded, "but let not God speak with us, lest we die" (Exodus 20:19). They were begging for an intermediary, someone to filter the divine message into something they could handle. The raw, unfiltered voice of God was just too much.
And here’s where it gets even more fascinating. The Holy One, blessed be He, heard the voice of Israel, and it was pleasing to Him. God wasn't offended by their fear; God understood their limitations.
So, what did God do? According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, He sent for Michael and Gabriel, two of the most powerful angels. These weren't just messengers; they were divine escorts. And their mission? To bring Moses closer to God.
But here's the kicker: Moses didn't want to go! The text says they took hold of his two hands "against his will" and brought him near unto the thick darkness, as it is said, "And Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was" (Exodus 20:21).
Why the resistance? Was Moses afraid too? Perhaps he understood the gravity of what was about to happen, the immense responsibility of receiving the Torah on behalf of the entire nation. Maybe he knew that entering the "thick darkness" meant leaving behind a part of himself.
Whatever the reason, the image is striking: angels practically dragging Moses towards the divine presence. It highlights the almost unbearable intensity of the encounter, the sheer force required to bridge the gap between the human and the divine. It reminds us that even the greatest prophets sometimes need a little…divine encouragement.
This passage from Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer isn't just a historical account; it's a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. How often do we shy away from the "thick darkness," the challenging, uncomfortable spaces where true growth happens? How often do we ask for an intermediary, a buffer, rather than facing the raw, unfiltered truth? And maybe, just maybe, sometimes we need a little push – even an angelic one – to take that leap of faith.