Exodus 33:11 - Divine friendship's intimate conversation

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Hebrew Text

וְדִבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה פָּנִים אֶל־פָּנִים כַּאֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר אִישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵהוּ וְשָׁב אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶה וּמְשָׁרְתוֹ יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן־נוּן נַעַר לֹא יָמִישׁ מִתּוֹךְ הָאֹהֶל׃

English Translation

And the Lord spoke to Moshe face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he turned back to the camp: but his servant Yehoshua, the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart out of the Tent.

Transliteration

V'diber Adonai el-Moshe panim el-panim ka'asher y'daber ish el-re'ehu v'shav el-hamachane u'm'sharto Yehoshua bin-Nun na'ar lo yamish mitoch ha'ohel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְדִבֶּ֨ר יְהֹוָ֤ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה֙ פָּנִ֣ים אֶל־פָּנִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יְדַבֵּ֥ר אִ֖ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֑הוּ וְשָׁב֙ אֶל־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וּמְשָׁ֨רְת֜וֹ יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ בִּן־נוּן֙ נַ֔עַר לֹ֥א יָמִ֖ישׁ מִתּ֥וֹךְ הָאֹֽהֶל׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

The Unique Relationship Between Hashem and Moshe

The phrase "פָּנִים אֶל־פָּנִים" (face to face) emphasizes the unparalleled prophetic level of Moshe Rabbeinu. Rashi (Shemot 33:11) explains that this denotes clarity and directness in communication, unlike other prophets who received visions through dreams or allegories. The Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) elaborates that Moshe's prophecy was unique in that he perceived the Divine word without any intermediary or obscurity, akin to a conversation between friends.

Moshe's Return to the Camp

The verse states "וְשָׁב אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶה" (and he returned to the camp), indicating that after receiving prophecy, Moshe resumed his leadership duties. The Sforno notes that this demonstrates Moshe's humility—despite his exalted spiritual state, he did not isolate himself permanently but returned to guide Bnei Yisrael.

Yehoshua's Devotion in the Ohel Moed

The description of Yehoshua as "נַעַר לֹא יָמִישׁ מִתּוֹךְ הָאֹהֶל" (a young man who did not depart from the Tent) is interpreted by Rashi as a sign of his exceptional dedication. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 12) explains that Yehoshua would remain in the Ohel Moed to absorb Torah wisdom, preparing for his future role as Moshe's successor. The term "נַעַר" (young man) may also allude to his humility and willingness to serve, as noted by the Malbim.

Contrast Between Moshe and Yehoshua

Moshe's Role: As the primary conduit of prophecy, Moshe engaged in direct dialogue with Hashem but balanced this with communal leadership.
Yehoshua's Role: His constant presence in the Ohel Moed symbolizes his preparation for leadership through steadfast learning and service, as emphasized by the Ramban (Bamidbar 11:28).

Lessons in Leadership and Torah Study

The juxtaposition of these two figures teaches that while Moshe achieved the highest level of prophecy, Yehoshua's commitment to Torah study in the Ohel Moed laid the foundation for his future leadership. The Kli Yakar highlights that true leadership requires both divine connection (like Moshe) and unwavering dedication to Torah (like Yehoshua).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 49b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the unique level of prophecy attained by Moses, emphasizing that he spoke with God 'face to face' unlike other prophets.

📖 Sotah 13b

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Joshua's dedication and his role as Moses' attendant, highlighting his constant presence in the Tent of Meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Hashem spoke to Moshe 'face to face'?
A: The phrase 'face to face' means that Moshe had the highest level of prophecy, where he communicated with Hashem clearly and directly, unlike other prophets who received messages through visions or dreams (Rashi on Exodus 33:11, based on Bamidbar 12:8). This shows Moshe's unique closeness to Hashem.

Q: Why did Yehoshua stay in the Tent of Meeting?
A: Yehoshua stayed in the Tent of Meeting because he was devoted to learning from Moshe and serving Hashem. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:12) explains that Yehoshua would not leave the tent, showing his dedication to Torah study and his readiness to receive prophecy, which later prepared him to lead Bnei Yisrael after Moshe.

Q: What can we learn from Moshe's relationship with Hashem in this verse?
A: We learn that true closeness to Hashem comes through constant communication, humility, and devotion. Moshe's 'face to face' relationship teaches us the importance of developing a personal connection with Hashem through prayer, Torah study, and mitzvot (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:6).

Q: Why is Yehoshua called a 'na'ar' (young man) here?
A: The term 'na'ar' (young man) highlights Yehoshua's humility and eagerness to serve, like a devoted student. Rashi explains that it emphasizes his youthful enthusiasm in serving Moshe and learning Torah, even though he was actually around 56 years old at the time (Sifrei on Bamidbar 13:16).

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us to emulate Moshe's closeness to Hashem through prayer and Torah study, and Yehoshua's dedication to learning from great teachers. Just as Yehoshua stayed in the tent to grow spiritually, we should seek opportunities to deepen our connection with Hashem and Torah (based on Pirkei Avot 1:4).