Shabbos Parashas Devarim - 5779

Shabbos Parashas Devarim - 5779

Rabbi Hal Miller

Hashem our God spoke to us in Chorev saying, "Enough of your dwelling by

this mountain." [Devarim 1:6]

This short verse is full of questions. Why did Moshe specify "our God", rather than

just God said? Where is Chorev and why is that relevant? The wording, "enough of"

seems to imply that God was getting impatient for something--what?

Ibn Ezra and others say that Chorev is Mount Sinai, the two names are equal in

meaning. Others disagree. Ramban calls the mountain plus surrounding area 'Sinai',

and thinks Chorev is one spot in the district, "opposite the mountain" where the Torah

tells us Israel camped. It explains "dwelling by this mountain", meaning next to Mt.

Sinai which Moshe had climbed to meet God. The people were in Chorev at the time

he did so, thus "God spoke to us in Chorev". Further, Moshe here tells the people

that it is not God commanding him alone, rather God is speaking to the entire people

now when He says "enough of your dwelling".

So, what does that mean? Rav la'chem shevet. The words are simple, but the meaning

could be one or more of many options. Shevet is to sit or dwell. La'chem means you

plural. Rav usually means 'much', but it can be 'enough'.

Our verse occurs shortly after the golden calf incident. It could be that God is telling the

people that they've polluted the land where they sit and need to move. Or, it could be

that God is telling them that they have been forgiven, having sat there in punishment

long enough.

Rav Hirsch says that the people have accomplished what they were supposed to at

this place, having received the Torah, built the Mishkan, etc., and it is time to move on.

Abarbanel thinks that God is seemingly impatient with the people, that He wanted to

bring them to the promised land immediately, but they are delaying by not following His

laws. He tells Moshe to get the people on board with mitzvos rather than involved in

sinning so they can get back on the road, enough delay.

Rashi brings Sifrei, who translates rav as much. "There is much for you for dwelling at

this mountain." There is a great reward because the people have accepted the Torah.

Whether because the people deserve to move on or not, the verse indicates that God

has decided it's time to go, specifically for the benefit of the nation.