Exodus 19:15 - Prepare for divine revelation

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־הָעָם הֱיוּ נְכֹנִים לִשְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים אַל־תִּגְּשׁוּ אֶל־אִשָּׁה׃

English Translation

And he said to the people, Be ready by the third day: come not near a woman.

Transliteration

Vayomer el-ha'am heyu nekhonim lishloshet yamim al-tigshu el-ishah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־הָעָ֔ם הֱי֥וּ נְכֹנִ֖ים לִשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֑ים אַֽל־תִּגְּשׁ֖וּ אֶל־אִשָּֽׁה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 19:15) appears in the context of Bnei Yisrael's preparation for Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah) at Har Sinai. Moshe Rabbeinu instructs the people to sanctify themselves in anticipation of this monumental event.

Explanation of "Be Ready by the Third Day"

Rashi explains that the three days of preparation correspond to the three days of separation before Matan Torah (Shemot 19:11). This period was necessary for purification and mental preparation to receive the Torah. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:7) notes that such separation is a standard requirement before experiencing divine revelation.

The Prohibition Against Relations

The instruction "come not near a woman" is understood by our Sages as a temporary prohibition against marital relations during this preparatory period. The Talmud (Shabbat 87a) derives from here that Torah study requires a state of purity and separation from physical distractions.

Spiritual Preparation for Revelation

The Midrash (Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael) compares this preparation to the purification required before a wedding, with Har Sinai serving as the chuppah.
Rabbeinu Bachya explains that this separation elevated Bnei Yisrael to the level of malachim (angels) during Matan Torah.
The Kli Yakar emphasizes that physical separation was necessary to achieve the spiritual clarity required to receive the Torah.

Halachic Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 3:11) cites this verse as the source for the concept that Torah scholars should minimize marital relations during periods of intense study. However, the Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 25:1) clarifies that this refers only to temporary situations of special sanctity, not to normal marital obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moses tell the people to stay away from their wives for three days before receiving the Torah?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Shabbat 86a), this separation was to ensure spiritual purity and readiness before the revelation at Mount Sinai. Physical intimacy creates a temporary state of ritual impurity (tumah), and the people needed to be in a state of holiness (kedushah) to receive the Torah.

Q: What does 'be ready by the third day' mean in Exodus 19:15?
A: The Ramban explains that the three days were a preparation period for the giving of the Torah. This included physical preparations (like washing clothes) and spiritual preparations (like repentance and distancing from worldly matters), as the Midrash (Mechilta) teaches that the Israelites needed to purify themselves to stand before Hashem.

Q: Does the command 'come not near a woman' apply to all Jewish people today?
A: No, this was a specific instruction for the generation receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. However, the Talmud (Yoma 2a) notes that Torah scholars often separate from their wives before significant spiritual events (like Yom Kippur) as a way to emulate this state of heightened holiness.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 19:15 about preparing for important spiritual moments?
A: The verse teaches the importance of mental and physical preparation before encountering holiness. Just as the Israelites prepared for three days, we too should prepare for mitzvot like Shabbat or holidays with proper focus and purity, as the Mishnah (Berachot 2:1) emphasizes the need for proper intention in divine service.