We know the big story: God, Moses, the Ten Commandments... but what about the details? to a fascinating passage from Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a beautiful and often imaginative work of Jewish literature, to paint a more complete picture.
Rabbi Elazar, son of 'Azariah, gives us a very specific timeline. He says that it was on a Friday, the 6th of the month, at the sixth hour of the day, that Israel received the Commandments. Now, remember, Jewish days start at sundown, and hours are counted differently, so we’re talking about midday here. A pivotal moment, right in the middle of the day.
And what happened next? According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, by the ninth hour – that’s mid-afternoon – the Israelites had returned to their tents. That very same day, the manna, that miraculous food from heaven, was prepared for them for two days, a double portion! This meant that Israel could truly rest on that coming Sabbath, a Sabbath filled with the joy of a festival. Why so joyous? Because they had been worthy enough to hear the voice of the Holy One, blessed be He. They heard God. Directly. As Deuteronomy 5:26 asks, "For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?" It’s awe-inspiring, almost unbelievable.
Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. The Holy One, blessed be He, speaks to Moses in "a pure expression of speech." God tells Moses to tell the children of Israel to return to their tents. "Go, say to them, Return ye to your tents" (Deut. 5:30). But then, Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer offers a remarkable interpretation: "It is possible that even thou (Moses) shouldst return."
What does that mean?
The text continues, "Hence thou mayest learn that from the hour when Moses brought down the Torah to Israel, he did not approach his wife, as it is said, "But as for thee, stand thou here by me" (Deut. 5:31)."
This is a powerful statement. The implication is that Moses’s experience on Sinai transformed him so profoundly that he remained in a state of heightened spiritual awareness. He was to "stand" with God, set apart. He abstained from marital relations, dedicating himself entirely to his divine mission.
It's a fascinating insight into the sacrifices and the profound connection Moses had with the divine. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer gives us a glimpse into the intense spiritual atmosphere surrounding the giving of the Torah, and the lasting impact it had on both the people and their leader, Moses. What does it mean to truly dedicate yourself to a higher purpose? And what are the personal sacrifices involved? Perhaps these are questions worth pondering long after we've left Mount Sinai behind.