Deuteronomy 4:36 - Divine voice from fire

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Hebrew Text

מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם הִשְׁמִיעֲךָ אֶת־קֹלוֹ לְיַסְּרֶךָּ וְעַל־הָאָרֶץ הֶרְאֲךָ אֶת־אִשּׁוֹ הַגְּדוֹלָה וּדְבָרָיו שָׁמַעְתָּ מִתּוֹךְ הָאֵשׁ׃

English Translation

Out of heaven he made thee hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he showed thee his great fire; and thou didst hear his words out of the midst of the fire.

Transliteration

Min-hashamayim hishmi'acha et-kolo leyasrecha ve'al-ha'aretz her'acha et-Isso hagdola udvarav shamata mitoch ha'esh.

Hebrew Leining Text

מִן־הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם הִשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֥ אֶת־קֹל֖וֹ לְיַסְּרֶ֑ךָּ וְעַל־הָאָ֗רֶץ הֶרְאֲךָ֙ אֶת־אִשּׁ֣וֹ הַגְּדוֹלָ֔ה וּדְבָרָ֥יו שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ מִתּ֥וֹךְ הָאֵֽשׁ׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 4:36) appears in Moshe's speech to Bnei Yisrael, recounting the revelation at Har Sinai. It emphasizes the unique nature of Matan Torah—where Hashem's voice was heard from heaven, accompanied by awe-inspiring manifestations on earth, including fire.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 4:36) explains that the phrase "מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם הִשְׁמִיעֲךָ אֶת־קֹלוֹ" ("Out of heaven He made you hear His voice") refers to the Aseret HaDibrot being spoken directly by Hashem, not through an intermediary. This underscores the unparalleled intimacy of the revelation. The "great fire" ("אִשּׁוֹ הַגְּדוֹלָה") symbolizes the divine presence, as fire represents both purification and awe (see Shemot 19:18).

Rambam on Divine Revelation

In Moreh Nevuchim (2:33), Rambam discusses how Har Sinai’s revelation was a singular event where the entire nation experienced prophecy collectively. The fire and heavenly voice were tangible proofs of Hashem’s direct communication, reinforcing the authenticity of Torah.

Midrashic Insights

Sifrei Devarim (32) notes that the fire was visible to all of Bnei Yisrael, demonstrating that the Torah’s truth was not hidden but openly revealed.
Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 14) compares the fire to a refiner’s flame, purifying the people to receive the Torah.

Theological Significance

The verse highlights two dimensions of Matan Torah: the transcendent ("from heaven") and the immanent ("upon earth"). This duality teaches that Torah bridges the divine and human realms, requiring both spiritual commitment and practical application in daily life (see Devarim 30:12).

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 416) derives from this verse the obligation to remember Har Sinai, as it is the foundation of our belief in Torah MiSinai. The sensory experience of fire and voice ensures that the event remains an incontrovertible testimony for future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 22a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the divine revelation at Mount Sinai and its implications for Jewish law and practice.

📖 Megillah 31a

The verse is cited in the context of the public reading of the Torah, emphasizing the importance of hearing God's words as given at Sinai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:36 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 4:36 describes how Hashem revealed Himself to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. The verse explains that Hashem made His voice heard from heaven to instruct the people, and showed His great fire on earth. This emphasizes the unique, direct communication between Hashem and the Jewish people during the giving of the Torah.

Q: Why is the 'great fire' mentioned in Deuteronomy 4:36 significant?
A: The 'great fire' symbolizes Hashem's presence and the awe-inspiring nature of the revelation at Sinai. According to Rashi and other commentators, this fire was a visible manifestation of the Divine, demonstrating that the Torah was given in a way that engaged both the spiritual (heavenly voice) and physical (earthly fire) realms, making the experience unforgettable for the Jewish people.

Q: How does Deuteronomy 4:36 apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us of the foundational event of Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah) and our covenant with Hashem. The Rambam teaches that every Jew should view themselves as if they personally stood at Sinai. Thus, this verse inspires us to approach Torah study and mitzvot with the same reverence and commitment as our ancestors who heard Hashem's voice from the fire.

Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'you heard His words from the midst of the fire'?
A: The Midrash explains that the fire represents both the intensity of Hashem's words and the purifying effect of Torah. Just as fire can refine metal, Torah refines our character. The fact that the words came from the fire teaches us that Torah must be studied with passion and warmth, and that its teachings have the power to transform us.

Q: Why does the verse mention both heaven and earth?
A: The Talmud (Makot 23b) notes that this duality shows the Torah was given in a way that connects heaven and earth - it's Divine in origin but meant to be lived in the physical world. The heavenly voice represents Torah's eternal truth, while the earthly fire shows it must be implemented in our daily lives. This reflects the Jewish mission to elevate the physical world through Torah and mitzvot.