Exodus 33:15 - Divine presence essential for journey.

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אִם־אֵין פָּנֶיךָ הֹלְכִים אַל־תַּעֲלֵנוּ מִזֶּה׃

English Translation

And he said to him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up from here.

Transliteration

Vayomer elav im-ein panecha holchim al-ta'alenu mize.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑יו אִם־אֵ֤ין פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙ הֹלְכִ֔ים אַֽל־תַּעֲלֵ֖נוּ מִזֶּֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 33:15) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf, when Moshe Rabbeinu pleads with Hashem to continue guiding Bnei Yisrael on their journey to Eretz Yisrael. Moshe insists that without Hashem's presence, they should not proceed.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Moshe was emphasizing the indispensability of the Divine Presence (Shechinah). He argues that the physical journey is meaningless without Hashem's direct involvement. Rashi cites the Midrash (Tanchuma, Ki Sisa 27) that Moshe was saying: "If You do not accompany us, do not take us up from here—for what difference is there between us and the other nations?"

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam discusses the concept of Divine Providence. He explains that Moshe's request reflects the principle that true success and guidance come only through closeness to Hashem. Without this relationship, physical movement is devoid of spiritual purpose.

Talmudic Insight

The Talmud (Berachos 32a) relates this verse to the idea of mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) in prayer. Moshe's refusal to proceed without Hashem's presence demonstrates the level of dedication required when seeking Divine favor.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 45:6) elaborates that Moshe was concerned about losing the unique status of Bnei Yisrael as the chosen nation. He understood that without Hashem's presence, they would be indistinguishable from other peoples, rendering their mission meaningless.

Chassidic Perspective

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that this verse underscores the importance of deveikus (cleaving to Hashem) in all endeavors. Physical journeys—and by extension, all human actions—must be infused with spiritual awareness to have true value.

Practical Lesson

Moshe's words teach that Jewish identity and purpose are intrinsically tied to Hashem's presence.
The verse emphasizes that material progress without spiritual direction is ultimately empty.
It serves as a model for prioritizing our relationship with Hashem in all aspects of life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 33:15 mean when Moshe says 'If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here'?
A: Moshe is expressing that the Jewish people cannot continue their journey to Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) without Hashem's presence. According to Rashi, Moshe was saying that without the Divine presence, they would be no different than any other nation. This shows Moshe's deep understanding that true success comes only through closeness to Hashem.

Q: Why is Exodus 33:15 important in Jewish thought?
A: This verse teaches a fundamental Jewish principle: our relationship with Hashem is central to our existence. The Rambam explains that the ultimate purpose of the Exodus and receiving the Torah was to create a dwelling place for the Divine presence among the Jewish people. Moshe's plea emphasizes that physical redemption is meaningless without spiritual connection.

Q: What can we learn from Moshe's statement in Exodus 33:15?
A: We learn that material success and physical accomplishments are worthless without spiritual meaning. The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that Moshe preferred to remain in the wilderness with Hashem's presence rather than enter Israel without it. This teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Hashem above all else.

Q: How does Exodus 33:15 apply to our lives today?
A: Just as Moshe insisted on Hashem's presence accompanying the Jewish people, we must ensure that our daily lives are infused with Torah values and mitzvot. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that the Divine presence rests where people study Torah - showing that we too must make Torah and mitzvot central to our homes and communities.

Q: What was the context of Moshe saying this in Exodus 33:15?
A: This was said after the sin of the Golden Calf when Hashem threatened to withdraw His presence (Rashi on 33:3). Moshe was negotiating for full forgiveness and restoration of the relationship. The Sforno explains that Moshe was arguing that without Hashem's presence, the purpose of the Exodus - to serve Hashem - would be lost.