Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the context of Deuteronomy 9:12?
A: Deuteronomy 9:12 refers to the incident of the Golden Calf (עֵגֶל הַזָּהָב), when the Israelites, shortly after receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, sinned by creating and worshipping an idol. Hashem commanded Moshe (Moses) to descend quickly from the mountain because the people had strayed from His commandments.
Q: Why did Hashem say 'your people' instead of 'My people' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that when the Jewish people sin, Hashem refers to them as 'your people' (עַמְּךָ) to Moshe, distancing Himself from their actions. This teaches that when we follow Hashem's ways, we are close to Him, but when we sin, we create a separation that requires repentance (תְּשׁוּבָה) to restore the relationship.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the phrase 'they have quickly turned aside from the way'?
A: The Midrash teaches that this verse highlights how quickly even great people can fall into sin if they are not vigilant. Despite witnessing miracles like the Exodus and receiving the Torah, the Israelites faltered. This reminds us to constantly strengthen our commitment to Torah and mitzvot to avoid spiritual pitfalls.
Q: How does the sin of the Golden Calf relate to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah) teaches that the sin of the Golden Calf represents the danger of replacing true avodat Hashem (service of G-d) with improper substitutes. Today, this reminds us to serve Hashem with sincerity and not let materialism or other distractions become modern-day 'molten images.'
Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe to descend 'quickly' from the mountain?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 32a) explains that Hashem wanted Moshe to intervene immediately to prevent further damage. This teaches the importance of addressing spiritual crises promptly. Leaders (and all of us) must act swiftly to correct wrongdoing and guide others back to Torah values.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Devarim 9:12) recounts Hashem's command to Moshe Rabbeinu to descend from Har Sinai after the Jewish people created the Golden Calf (עֵגֶל הַזָּהָב). The verse appears in Moshe's recounting of the events to Bnei Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the phrase "כִּי שִׁחֵת עַמְּךָ" ("for your people have become corrupt") emphasizes the severity of their sin. The term "שִׁחֵת" implies a complete moral corruption, as seen in Bereishit 6:12 regarding the generation of the Flood. Rashi also notes that Hashem refers to them as "עַמְּךָ" ("your people") rather than "My people," distancing Himself due to their transgression.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (1:36), Rambam discusses how the Golden Calf represented a regression to idolatrous tendencies ingrained from their time in Mitzrayim. The phrase "סָרוּ מַהֵר מִן־הַדֶּרֶךְ" ("they quickly turned aside") highlights the fragility of their emunah despite witnessing miracles.
Midrashic Insights
Ibn Ezra's Commentary
Ibn Ezra notes the irony in "אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵאתָ מִמִּצְרָיִם" ("which you brought out of Egypt"). Though Moshe was Hashem's agent, the people attributed their redemption to him, laying the groundwork for their demand, "עשה לנו אלהים אשר ילכו לפנינו" (Shemot 32:1).
Halachic Implications
The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:2) cites this episode as a warning against attributing divinity to intermediaries, even those as great as Moshe. The molten image ("מַסֵּכָה") violated the prohibition of idolatry, the gravest sin in Torah.