Seeing Hashem/2

Seeing Hashem

Exegetical Approaches

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Overview

Commentators struggle to understand how Hashem reveals Himself to mankind and what the text implies when it states that an individual  "sees Hashem". Some commentators assume that man really may see some manifestation of Hashem, either directly or prophetically. Rashbam, thus, allows for direct revelation, claiming that in rare instances, when Hashem makes a covenantal relationship, He might grant the second party the honor of viewing Him without fear of mortal peril. Ibn Ezra, instead, claims that any visions of Hashem in Tanakh must be understood to have taken place in a prophetic dream.  In such a dream, man might imagine Hashem even in human form. Physically seeing Hashem, though, is impossible.

Others suggest that all verses which speak of "seeing Hashem" need to be reinterpreted and explained non-literally.  Rambam claims that the word "see" might refer to comprehension rather than physical sight and that such verses refer to attaining a level of cognition of the Divine. A final approach suggests that verses which speak of Hashem's revelation really refer only to the manifestation of Hashem's glory (a brilliant created light) or to an angel.  Each is referred to as "Hashem" after the One who sent or created it. Many commentators combine these approaches, explaining the various revelations on a case by case basis.

Direct Revelation of Hashem

At times, Hashem directly reveals Himself, allowing humans to glimpse God Himself.

Sources:RashiShemot 19:9-10Shemot 24:10-11Shemot 33:18-23Vayikra 16:2Bemidbar 12:8Bemidbar 14:10Bemidbar 16:19Devarim 5:19Devarim 34:10Yechezkel 1:1About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki, RashbamBereshit 18:1Bereshit 48:8Shemot 13:21Shemot 16:7Shemot 19:9Shemot 19:11Shemot 19:23Shemot 24:10-11Shemot 33:18Shemot 33:23Shemot 34:8Vayikra 9:23Vayikra 16:2About R. Shemuel b. Meir, Daat ZekeinimShemot 24About Daat Zekeinim

"לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי" – This approach assumes that humans are physically capable of receiving a direct revelation of Hashem, yet doing so generally results in death. There are, however, certain exceptions: 

• Stay of execution – Rashi maintains that though in all cases in which humans directly see Hashem they will die, in exceptional circumstances this death can be delayed. Thus, though Nadav and Avihu and the elders saw Hashem at Sinai (Shemot 24), Hashem pushed off their deaths so as not to mar the happiness of receiving the Torah.¹
• No death – Rashbam, in contrast, asserts that in some situations, seeing Hashem is a privilege granted by Hashem, not deserving of death at all. When making a covenant, Hashem might honor the second party by allowing them to see Hashem as He passes by.² Thus, in the Covenant Between the Pieces, Avraham merited to see Hashem pass (Bereshit 15:17-18), at the covenant at Sinai, the elders merited to see Hashem (Shemot 24:10-11), and when Hashem made the covenant in Shemot 34:10, He allowed Moshe to see Him as well (Shemot 33:23 and Shemot 34:6). 

Revelation at Sinai – This approach might suggest that the revelation at Sinai, being a covenant, was a direct revelation as well, and the people were granted permission to see some manifestation of Hashem.³  This would match the description of the event being a "face to face" encounter, but would appear to contradict Moshe's statement, "לֹא רְאִיתֶם כׇּל תְּמוּנָה בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר י״י אֲלֵיכֶם". The seeming contradiction might be resolved in a number of ways: 

• It is possible that Hashem granted the nation permission to look, but only from afar, at which distance the nation could not really see Hashem regardless.⁴  As such, they saw no "picture", though they did watch Hashem's descent, as per the literal understanding of "יֵרֵד י״י לְעֵינֵי כׇל הָעָם".‎ The encounter was "face to face" in the sense that nothing concrete obscured the vision, only distance.
• It is also possible that the people really were privileged to see Hashem, but that Hashem does not have a form that can in any way be called a "תְּמוּנָה" and it is this which Moshe emphasizes in Sefer Devarim.

What did they see?  - "וְרָאִיתָ אֶת אֲחֹרָי" – Neither Rashi nor Rashbam elaborate on what it means to see Hashem directly or detail what it was that the people who merited to do so saw.  Rashbam, though, implies that even in cases of direct revelation, the vision is veiled or incomplete.  By Moshe, the verse states explicitly that Moshe only saw Hashem's "back" and Rashbam claims that this is what the elders in Shemot 24 saw as well. By Avraham, the verses describe a pillar of smoke and fire passing by, suggesting that there, too, the vision was obscured to some degree.

Corporeality of Hashem – It is not clear what Rashi and Rashbam believe regarding the possibility that Hashem might take a corporeal form. If this position were to maintain, as does R. Moshe TakuKetav Tamim (printed in Otzar Nechmad), that Hashem does adopt one at times, then those who "see Hashem" might actually see a physical manifestation of Hashem's corporeal form and phrases such as "וְרָאִיתָ אֶת אֲחֹרָי" might be understood literally.

"הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי בָּא אֵלֶיךָ בְּעַב הֶעָנָן" – Rashbam explains that Hashem spoke to Moshe "in the thickness of the cloud" to protect Moshe from seeing Hashem.  This is consistent with the notion that Hashem might literally manifest Himself, necessitating cover to protect human observers.

"וְלֹא יָמוּת כִּי בֶּעָנָן אֵרָאֶה עַל הַכַּפֹּרֶת" – This position might understand that Hashem is literally revealed on the kapporet and therefore any who enter and see will die. Rashbam explains that it is for the reason that before entering the Inner Sanctum on Yom HaKippurim, the priest is directed to first make a cloud of incense whereby the House is darkened and the vision blocked.

Visions of Hashem by prophets - "רָאִיתִי אֶת י״י יֹשֵׁב" – This position must explain how Michayhu, Yeshayahu, Yechezkel and Daniel are all said to see Hashem, describing him sitting on a throne, yet do not die:

• Rashi writes that all prophets (excluding Moshe) see through "a non-transparent glass".⁵  It is not clear if Rashi's emphasis is on the lack of clarity in these prophet's visions or on the very fact that they occurred in a prophetic dream rather than being a direct and conscious revelation.⁶  Either way, this opaque or non-physical  viewing is what allowed them to survive the revelation.
• Rashbam speaks explicitly only of Michayhu's vision of Hashem, but appears to concur with the first understanding of Rashi.  He states that the vision was fuzzy, like someone who can make out the outline of a friend but not see His face. 

Revelation to Avot: "...וַיֵּרָא י״י אֶל" – Neither Rashi nor Rashbam address the nature of most of these revelations:

• Prophetic vision & veiled encounter – They could explain them in the same manner as they do the explicit visions of Hashem described by Yeshayahu, Yechezkel and Michayhu discussed above, that these were either prophetic visions or otherwise veiled and fuzzy revelations.
• Hashem = an angel – Alternatively, they might suggest that, at least in some of these cases, the term Hashem refers not to Hashem Himself, but to his messenger, an angel who is called after the One who sent him.  This is how Rashbam explains the appearance of "Hashem" to Avraham in Bereshit 18:1 and to Moshe by the Burning Bush.⁷

"'כְּבוֹד ה" – Neither Rashi nor Rashbam explicitly define the term, but might suggest that it refers to either some aspect of Hashem Himself, a created entity that signifies His presence, or His deeds which testify to His glory:

• Cloaked manifestation – In many of the cases in which "'כְּבוֹד ה" is mentioned, the verse also mentions the presence of Hashem's cloud.⁸  As such, if it does refer to some manifestation of Hashem Himself, it seems that this is always cloaked in the pillar of cloud so as to obscure the vision to all who looked at it, protecting them from death.⁹
• Cloud of glory - Alternatively, it is possible that the "glory" refers to the cloud itself,¹⁰ and is meant to signify Hashem, but is not any part of Hashem Himself. As such, it is not dangerous to look upon it.
• Hashem's deeds – Rashbam maintains that in some of the cases where the term appears, it does not refer to Hashem at all but rather to His miraculous deeds. For example, by the manna, when Moshe and Aharon tell the nation, "וּבֹקֶר וּרְאִיתֶם אֶת כְּבוֹד י״י" (Shemot 16:7), they are referring to the miracle of the manna itself.¹¹

Does Moshe see more than others?

• Rashi suggests that Moshe did see more than others.  Drawing off Bavli Yevamot 49bYevamot 49bAbout the Bavli, he claims that while others could only see Hashem through an "opaque glass", Moshe saw him through a transparent one.  Nonetheless, he points out that even Moshe only saw "מראה אחוריים" and not "מראה שכינה" for even Moshe cannot see the Shechinah and live.‎¹²       
• Rashbam, in contrast, implies that Moshe did not necessarily see any more than others who similarly merited to receive a direct revelation during a covenantal ceremony.  If so, Moshe's uniqueness as a prophet might instead lay in his constant communication with Hashem and his fuller comprehension of the Divine message.

Prophetic Vision

Hashem does not directly reveal Himself to mankind but does appear to them via prophecy.  Any image of God that they see is only in a prophetic dream.

Sources:R. Saadia GaonHaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:9HaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:10About R. Saadia Gaon, Ibn EzraBereshit First Commentary 12:7Shemot First Commentary 13:21Shemot First Commentary 16:7Shemot First Commentary 24:10-11Shemot First Commentary 33:18Shemot Second Commentary 13:21Shemot Second Commentary 16:6Shemot Second Commentary 24:10-11Vayikra 16:2Devarim 5:4Yeshayahu 6:5About R. Avraham ibn Ezra, R. ChananelBerakhot 6aAbout R. Chananel b. Chushiel, R. Yosef Bekhor ShorBereshit 1:26Bereshit 32:31Shemot 13:21Shemot 24:8-11Shemot 33:18-23Vayikra 16:2About R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, RambamHilkhot Yesodei HaTorah 1:8-12Hilkhot Yesodei HaTorah 2:4Moreh Nevukhim 1:4Moreh Nevukhim 1:5Moreh Nevukhim 1:54Moreh Nevukhim 2:41About R. Moshe b. Maimon, RadakBereshit 32:31Yeshayahu 6:1Yeshayahu 6:5About R. David Kimchi, R. Avraham b. HaRambamBereshit 26:24Shemot 16:7Shemot 16:9-10Shemot 19:11Shemot 24:10-11Shemot 33:12-23About R. Avraham Maimonides, R"Y Albo2:283:17About R. Yosef Albo, SefornoShemot 19:9Shemot 19:11Shemot 24:11Shemot 33:11Shemot 33:18-23Vayikra 9:6Bemidbar 12:6-8Devarim 5:4Devarim 34:10About R. Ovadyah Seforno, ShadalShemot 13:21Shemot 19:11Shemot 20:3Shemot 24:10-11Shemot 33:18Shemot 33:20Yeshayahu 6:1Yeshayahu 6:5HaMishtadel Shemot 33:18About R. Shemuel David Luzzatto, MalbimBereshit 12:7Shemot 33:18-23Yeshayahu Beur HaInyan 6:1Yeshayahu Beur HaMilot 6:1About R. Meir Leibush Weiser, R. D"Z HoffmannBereshit 12:7Shemot 16:7Shemot 16:10Vayikra 9:23Vayikra 16:2About R. David Zvi Hoffmann

Corporeality of Hashem – These sources deny the corporeality of Hashem and, thus, the possibility that someone might physically see Hashem in any tangible form. Anthropomorphic language (mention of body parts or actions normally requiring a body and the like) is understood metaphorically and is viewed as an attempt to speak in terms that humans can understand. Cases where individuals are said to see Hashem are understood as prophetic visions.

What do prophets see? R. Chananel, R"Y Bekhor Shor, Rambam, and R. Avraham b. HaRambam all imply that every prophet might receive a different prophetic image, with some envisioning Hashem as a king on a throne and others seeing Him as a hero in war or as an elderly man wrapped in a prayer shawl. Sometimes Hashem does not provide an image with a human shape or even any concrete form at all, but rather signals His revelation via a glowing light¹³ or other created image.¹⁴

"לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי" – These sources offer various explanations of the apparent contradiction between Hashem's assertion that "no man can see Me and live" and the many verses¹⁵ in which the simple sense of the text implies that man did in fact see Hashem:

• Physical vs. prophetic seeing – R. Chananel distinguishes between physically seeing Hashem, which is impossible, and prophets receiving an image in a dream or vision, which is possible.¹⁶
• Full understanding vs. prophetic image – Rambam, in contrast, asserts that the verse "לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי" refers not to the inability of mortals to see God, but to their inability to attain a deep, complete understanding of His essence.¹⁷ Other verses which speak of seeing God refer to prophetic visions which man can safely receive with proper preparation.
• Different levels of prophecy – R. Yosef Albo claims that Moshe, being on the highest level of prophecy, could never see Hashem even in a prophetic vision since his prophecies were unaffected by the imagination. Other prophets, though, could see images representing Hashem in their prophetic dreams.¹⁸

Revelation to Avot: "...וַיֵּרָא י״י אֶל" – Malbim and R. D"Z Hoffmann¹⁹ point out that this formulation (as opposed to the language of  "...וַיֹּאמֶר ה' אֶל") refers to a unique type of prophecy in which Hashem not only speaks to a prophet but also appears to them in some visual image.²⁰

"לֹא רְאִיתֶם כׇּל תְּמוּנָה בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר י״י אֲלֵיכֶם" – Shadal asserts that Moshe's wording, "you did not see a "תְּמוּנָה" (a likeness) of Hashem", teaches not only that the masses did not physically see Hashem at Sinai,²¹ but that they did not see even a prophetic visual of Him.²²

"Face to face" revelation at Sinai – Given both that these sources understand that Hashem does not have a face and that Devarim 4:15 explicitly states, "לֹא רְאִיתֶם כׇּל תְּמוּנָה בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר י״י אֲלֵיכֶם", all these sources interpret the phrase "פָּנִים בְּפָנִים" non literally:

• Unmediated revelation – Ibn Ezra, R"Y Bekhor Shor, and R. Hoffmann assert that the description teaches that the nation heard Hashem's voice/words directly, without the mediation of Moshe,²³ not that they saw Hashem's face.
• Conscious prophecy – Seforno understands "פָּנִים בְּפָנִים" to mean that the nation received prophecy while fully in control of their senses.  Rambam similarly claims that they apprehended the Divine and heard His voice without the intervention of an angel.²⁴ As such, the phrase says nothing about actually seeing the face or any image of Hashem.
• Prophetic image – R. BachyaShemot 24:10Vayikra 16:2Devarim 5:4About R. Bachya b. Asher, following the Midrash²⁵ (and in contrast to Shadal above), suggests that the phrase "פָּנִים בְּפָנִים" refers to the many images via which Hashem appeared to the different members of the nation during revelation. Though he is not explicit, it appears that he is referring to prophetic images, while the verse "לֹא רְאִיתֶם כׇּל תְּמוּנָה" refers to the nation not having physically seen a picture of Hashem Himself.

The elders at Sinai (Shemot 24) – According to this approach²⁶ the elders did not literally see Hashem, but received a prophetic vision in which they imagined Hashem as described in these verses.²⁷ Shadal explains that this was unique since the masses had only heard Hashem's voice at Sinai²⁸ and were not privileged to also prophetically see any created image.²⁹ Seforno goes a step further to suggest that the elders merited to prophesy and see this image while still in control of their faculties.³⁰

"'כְּבוֹד ה" – These sources suggest that, depending on the context, this term can refer to either Hashem's essence and nature, a created light or fire meant to signify His presence (and generally clothed in a cloud to protect viewers from its brilliance), or to Hashem's miracles.  According to all these possibilities, in none of the verses in which someone is said to have seen "כְּבוֹד ה" does it mean that they physically saw Hashem Himself.

Moshe's request: "הַרְאֵנִי נָא אֶת כְּבֹדֶךָ" – These sources divide in their understanding of what Moshe requested when he asked, "הַרְאֵנִי נָא אֶת כְּבֹדֶךָ" and in the meaning of Hashem's response, "לֹא תוּכַל לִרְאֹת אֶת פָּנָי."

• Hashem's glory – Shadal asserts that Moshe requested to see the created light of Hashem's glory, not in a prophetic dream but while awake.³¹  Hashem responded that it is impossible to view it frontally, but allowed him to do so in passing.
• Comprehension of the Divine – According to Rambam, R. Avraham b. HaRambam,³² Seforno, and Malbim, Moshe was asking to understand some aspect of Hashem's being and existence. Hashem replied that a complete understanding was impossible, but Moshe could attain partial comprehension.

Uniqueness of Moshe – These commentators suggest that it was not the ability to receive a prophetic image of Hashem which elevated Moshe over others, as this was not unique (and might even be interpreted as signifying a prophetic deficiency).³³ Rather, it was the level and manner in which he received his prophecies which differentiated him. Moshe was capable of prophesying when awake³⁴ and could do so whenever he desired.³⁵ Moreover, Hashem communicated with him directly and not via an angel³⁶ so that he received clear messages, and not analogies and riddles.³⁷

Seeing angels

Cognitive Experience

When Torah speaks of humans seeing Hashem, it refers to a cognitive experience, man's comprehending of some aspect of Hashem's nature.

Sources:RambamHilkhot Yesodei HaTorah 1:8-12Moreh Nevukhim 1:4Moreh Nevukhim 1:5Moreh Nevukhim 1:54Moreh Nevukhim 2:41Moreh Nevukhim 2:42About R. Moshe b. Maimon, R. Avraham b. HaRambamShemot 16:10Shemot 24:10-11Shemot 33:12-23About R. Avraham Maimonides, RalbagVayikra 16:1Bemidbar 12:7-8Shemot Beur HaMilot 13:21Shemot Beur HaMilot 16:7Shemot Beur HaMilot 16:10Shemot Beur HaMilot 19:20Bereshit Beur HaParashah 12:7Shemot Beur HaParashah 24:10-11Shemot Beur HaParashah 33:18-23About R. Levi b. Gershom, MalbimBereshit 12:7Shemot 33:18-23Yeshayahu Beur HaInyan 6:1Yeshayahu Beur HaMilot 6:1About R. Meir Leibush Weiser,

Corporeality – These sources deny the corporeality of Hashem and, thus, the possibility that someone might physically see Hashem in any tangible form. Cases where individuals are said to see Hashem are understood to refer to their having reached a level of cognition of the Divine.

The roots "ראה, הביט וחזה" – Rambam asserts that each of these words have more than one meaning and can refer not only to physical vision, but also to mental insight.  As such, the phrases "...וַיֵּרָא י״י אֶל" with regards to the Avot, "רָאִיתִי אֶת ה"/"וָאֶרְאֶה אֶת ה'"  by Michayhu and Yeshayahu, "וּתְמֻנַת ה' יַבִּיט" with regards to Moshe, or "וַיֶּחֱזוּ אֶת הָאֱלֹהִים" by the nobility at Sinai all refer to intellectual perception and do not mean that any of these individuals physically saw Hashem.

"לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי – These sources understand this to mean that no mortal can totally comprehend Hashem's being. This, though, does not preclude someone reaching a lower level of cognition.  As such, there is no contradiction between this statement and verses which present individuals as "seeing Hashem"; the latter simply refer to cases where there is incomplete understanding.³⁸

The elders at Sinai (Shemot 24) – According to this approach the elders did not physically see Hashem, but rather attempted to understand His essence. Rambam and R. Avraham b. HaRambam³⁹ emphasize that though they were able to achieve a certain level of comprehension, this was at a very low level.⁴⁰  Rambam criticizes this flawed perception, blaming it on insufficient preparation, and claims that it deserved them death.⁴¹ Ralbag, in contrast, raises the possibility that their understanding was a praiseworthy achievement.⁴²

Moshe's request "הַרְאֵנִי נָא אֶת כְּבֹדֶךָ" (Shemot 33) –

Rambam claims that when Moshe asked "הַרְאֵנִי נָא אֶת כְּבֹדֶךָ" he was requesting to perceive Hashem's true essence. Hashem replied that no mortal can attain such understanding ("לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי"). Hashem, instead, promised Moshe a lower level of perception, that he would comprehend not Hashem's "face" but only His "back" ("וְרָאִיתָ אֶת אֲחֹרָי").

Face to face revelations – According to this approach the description of both the Sinaitic revelation and Moshe's interaction with Hashem as being "face to face" does not imply that either the nation or Moshe witnessed Hashem in any form.⁴³  Rambam suggests that it instead refers to the manner of Hashem's revelation, that the nation at Sinai and Moshe (always) apprehended Hashem without the mediation of angel.⁴⁴

"'כְּבוֹד ה" – These sources suggest that, depending on the context, this term can refer to Hashem's essence (as when Moshe asked to see Hashem's glory), to a light created by Hashem, or to Hashem's miracles.  According to all these possibilities, in none of the verses in which someone is said to have seen "כְּבוֹד ה" does it mean that they physically saw Hashem Himself.

Uniqueness of Moshe – One of the most outstanding characteristics of Moshe's leadership and prophetic prowess was his ability to comprehend more than all others.

"Hashem" reinterpreted

Verses which speak of Hashem appearing to man must be reinterpreted to mean either that Hashem's glory (in the form of a created light, fire or cloud) was revealed, or that there was mediation of an angel.

Sources:Onkelos, R. Saadia Gaonin Otzar HaGeonim Berakhot 6bHaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:10HaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:12HaEmunot VeHaDeiot 3:5About R. Saadia Gaon, R"Y Albo2:283:17About R. Yosef Albo,

Corporeality of Hashem – This position denies the possibility that Hashem might take on bodily form, necessitating one to reinterpret any verses which imply that Hashem can be seen.  It does so by suggesting that the word Hashem in such verses is either short for "the glory of Hashem" or refers to an angel.

Why refer to an angel or Hashem's glory as Hashem? Ibn Ezra explains that a messenger is like the one who sends him since he is simply doing his bidding; as such he might take on his name.⁴⁵ So, too, an angel fulfilling Hashem's will might be called by the name of Hashem.  R"Y Albo adds that when something belongs to or emanates from another, especially when it serves to represent the other, it might be called by its name. Hence, if Hashem creates a cloud or light to signify Himself, it might be called after Hashem.

"כבוד ה" – R. Saadia suggests that this refers to a visual sign, often a brilliant light, created by Hashem to signify to His prophets that it is Hashem who is speaking to them. The cloud or fire which sometimes appears to the people in the Wilderness is similarly referred to as "כבוד ה" as it, too, serves to verify that Hashem is speaking to their leaders.⁴⁶ As such, when Hashem is said to have appeared to a prophet (...וירא ה' אל) , or when prophets such as Yeshayahu are said to have seen an image of Hashem, this might refer to this glory.

Angels – Both R. Saadia and R"Y Albo assume that, with the exception of Moshe, prophets never receive prophecies directly from Hashem, but rather via an angel.  As such, verses which speak of a prophet speaking to or seeing "Hashem" really mean that the prophet was speaking with an angel of Hashem. Thus, for instance, the angel who appears to Moshe in the Burning Bush is referred to as Hashem.⁴⁷

"יֵרֵד י״י לְעֵינֵי כׇל הָעָם" – This position would reinterpret "Hashem" in this verse as well to refer to His glory.⁴⁸ RambanShemot 19:11About R. Moshe b. Nachman says that the nation viewed this as a "consuming fire", drawing off the description later in the chapter, "יָרַד עָלָיו י״י בָּאֵשׁ" and in Shemot 24, "וּמַרְאֵה כְּבוֹד י״י כְּאֵשׁ אֹכֶלֶת בְּרֹאשׁ הָהָר".

Face to face encounter at Sinai – This approach could suggest that the episode is described as a "face to face" encounter not because the people saw Hashem directly, but because they heard Him directly.⁴⁹ All they saw at Sinai was the brilliance of His glory which had descended on the mountain, not Hashem Himself.

Elders at Sinai – R. Saadia and R"Y Albo assert that when the verse states, "וַיִּרְאוּ אֵת אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל/וַיֶּחֱזוּ אֶת הָאֱלֹהִים", this, too, refers to the glory of Hashem rather than Hashem Himself.⁵⁰  One might question, though, what was so unique about the vision, considering that the nation had also seen Hashem's glory on the mountain. They might answer that the nation saw this created light only from a far distance and while it was heavily veiled.⁵¹ The elders, on the other hand, viewed it from much closer and while less obscured.⁵²

"לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי" – R. Saadia asserts that Hashem is not referring to the inability to see His bodily form, as He has none, but to seeing even His glory. The created light which constitutes Hashem's glory is so bright and powerful that no mortal can actually look at it directly and live. Moshe requested that Hashem, nonetheless, give him the power to do so. Hashem replied that he would not be able to see the light in its introductory phase ("לֹא תוּכַל לִרְאֹת אֶת פָּנָי") when it is at it strongest, but Hashem would cover his eyes until that passed and then Moshe would be able to see the last less powerful rays, "וְרָאִיתָ אֶת אֲחֹרָי".‎⁵³

Uniqueness of Moshe – This approach appears to suggest that though all, at times, saw some level of Hashem's glory, the difference in level between prophets relates to the degree of brilliance which they are exposed to, with Moshe being permitted to see more than others. Moreover, while other prophets prophesy only via an angel, Moshe does so without mediation.

¹ This reading emerges from Rashi's comments to Shemot 24:10.  In his comments to the following verse, however, he suggests that the group was deserving of death since they acted inappropriately, viewing Hashem while eating and drinking. This leads to the possibility that Rashi maintains had the elders acted properly, they would not have deserved death, despite having seen Hashem.  If so, then Rashi, like Rashbam, assumes that in exceptional cases, man is granted permission to view Hashem without punishment.

² Rashbam points to the treaties in Bereshit 15 and Yirmeyahu 34 as proof that one of the components of Biblical covenants is that the participants cut an animal and pass through its pieces.  [In light of Ancient Near Eastern treaties, it seems that this was meant to send a message that violation of the covenant would result in punishment and slaughter. See Treaties in Tanakh and the Ancient Near East for elaboration.]  Rashbam appears to be suggesting that as part of the covenantal process, Hashem allows the other party to see Him as he passes.

³ Both Rashi and Rashbam touch on the issue, suggesting that either the nation or Moshe raised the possibility of the people seeing Hashem during revelation.  However, it is unclear what they think Hashem responded.  In his comments to Shemot 19:9, Rashi has Moshe tell Hashem that the people desire direct communication with Him:, "שרצונן לשמוע ממך, אינו דומה שומע מפי שליח לשומע מפי המלך, רצוננו לראות את מלכנו".  The Leipzig 1 manuscript of Rashi then contains a later addition of R. Shemaya (see Rashi's comments to Shemot 19:10 and similarly Devarim 5:19) which appears to present Hashem as agreeing only to allowing direct verbal communication (but not a visual revelation). [As Rashi maintains that even the elders who saw Hashem directly were deserving of death, it is logical that the masses, too, could not have done so without mortal peril.]
Rashbam presents Moshe as asking Hashem if the reason He gave additional warnings about ascending the mountain was because He did not want the nation to even watch from afar ("שמא אתה מוסיף שאפילו להתקרב מעט כדי להסתכל ולראות אפילו רחוק מן ההר אסור?"). Due to a discrepancy between the Breslau manuscript of Rashbam's commentary and the Munich 252 and Oxford Marsh 225 manuscripts, it is unclear what Rashbam presents Hashem as answering. The former reads, "גם עתה לא אמרתי לראות, בלא עלייה לא אמרתי לך" (presenting Hashem as forbidding seeing) whereas the latter reads, "גם עתה לא אסרתי לראות, בלא עלייה לא אמרתי לך" (presenting Hashem as permitting seeing). However, if Rashbam does maintain that the people here received a direct visual revelation, it is somewhat surprising that he does not include the event within his examples of covenantal ceremonies in which people were granted such a privilege

⁴ See Rashbam's comments to Bereshit 48:8 where he asserts that at times one can see an image of another but not make out their face and that one may see Hashem in this manner and not be deserving of death.

⁵ See Bavli Yevamot 49b.  Rashi notes that this is why Yechezkel's vision of Hashem is referred to as "מראות אלהים", being dream-like in nature.

⁶ In Rashi's comments to Bemidbar 12:6 he writes that such prophets see "בחלום וחזיון" while on Bavli Sukkah 45b he explains that "a non-transparent glass" refers to one through which "אין יכולין לראות ממש".

⁷ In both of these cases the verses themselves contain ambiguity regarding who is appearing to the Avot as both mention not only Hashem but also explicitly refer to angels.

⁸ See, for example, Shemot 16:10, Shemot 24:16 and Bemidbar 17:7. In his comments to Bemidbar 14:10 and 16:9, where the cloud is not mentioned, Rashi clarifies that here, too, Hashem's glory came in the cloud.

⁹ See above point, that Rashbam explains that Hashem appeared to Moshe in a cloud for this very reason.

¹⁰ See Rashi on Bemidbar 14:10, "וכבוד י״י – הענן ירד שם".

¹¹ Similarly, when Vayikra 9:23 states that on the eighth day of Consecration "Hashem's glory appeared" Rashbam explains that it refers to the miraculous fire than came to consume the offerings.

¹² Rashi asserts that although Bemidbar 12:7 states that Hashem reveals himself to Moshe "במראה" and "וּתְמֻנַת י״י יַבִּיט", this does not mean that Moshe saw "מראה שכינה", but only "מראה אחוריים".

¹³ See Yechezkel's description, "כְּמַרְאֵה הַקֶּשֶׁת אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה בֶעָנָן בְּיוֹם הַגֶּשֶׁם כֵּן מַרְאֵה הַנֹּגַהּ סָבִיב הוּא מַרְאֵה דְּמוּת כְּבוֹד י״י".

¹⁴ Shadal suggests that there is perhaps a two step process.  The prophet sees a "created image" which then awakens his heart to imagine Hashem.

¹⁵ See Shemot 24:10-11, Melakhim I 22:19, Yeshayahu 6:1, Yechezkel 1:1 and 26, and Daniel 7:9.

¹⁶ As support he points to Hoshea's words, "וּבְיַד הַנְּבִיאִים אֲדַמֶּה" (Hoshea 12:11).

¹⁷ He explains that the root "ראה" has several connotations and in this verse it refers to comprehension rather than physical sight.

¹⁸ One might question this reading as the language of "לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי" appears to be a general statement referring to all men and not only Moshe.

¹⁹ See also Keli YekarBereshit 12:7About R. Shelomo Ephraim Luntschitz.

²⁰ R. Hoffmann points out that the Torah does not share the nature of this visual and how Hashem appeared in such prophecies.  See, though, the above point that other commentators suggest that Hashem might provide different visuals for each prophet.

²¹ According to him, had the verse read "לֹא רְאִיתֶם את ה" one could suggest that only a physical seeing of Hashem was precluded.  The addition of the word "תמונה" implies that even a created image of Hashem was not seen. See, however, the point below, that not everyone agrees.

²² In this Shadal follows the RanDerashot HaRan 9About R. Nissim Gerondi who similarly points out that though Hashem created a voice for the nation to hear, He intentionally did not create a visual for them to see lest they come to make images of Hashem.

²³ See The Decalogue: Direct From Hashem or Via Moshe for further discussion.

²⁴ According to Rambam, at Sinai the nation only overheard Hashem's voice speaking to Moshe, and did not even comprehend His words. Yet, this voice was heard directly and not via an angel, and as such, can be termed a "face to face" encounter.

²⁵ See Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Shemot 15:2 and Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Shemot 19:11. 

²⁶ See Ibn Ezra, R. Avraham b. HaRambam (in his first explanation of the term), R"Y Albo, Seforno, and Shadal.

²⁷ Rambam, in contrast, understands the elder's seeing to refer to comprehension of Hashem's essence.  See the discussion in the approach below.

²⁸ See his explanation of the phrase "לֹא רְאִיתֶם כׇּל תְּמוּנָה בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר י״י אֲלֵיכֶם" above.

²⁹ As others were not meant to see such an image, one might have thought that the elders would be hurt for having done so. As such, the text shares that Hashem "לֹא שָׁלַח יָדוֹ"; they were unscathed.

³⁰ This is unlike most prophets who prophesy while asleep and see images of Hashem only in a dream-like state. According to Seforno, the phrase "לֹא שָׁלַח יָדוֹ" means that Hashem did not send forth His hand to remove the elders from their senses, not that there was reason to believe that this vision might have deserved them death

³¹ See also R"Y Bekhor Shor and R. Avraham b.HaRambam in his first approach.  They do not explain what would have been unique about seeing Hashem's glory, given that many verses imply that the nation saw it all the time. Perhaps they assume that Moshe was asking see Hashem's glory unveiled (ie. not from within the cloud or fire).  According to R"Y Bekhor Shor, Hashem allowed Moshe only to see the remnant of His glory after he passed, comparing this to one who can still see rays from the sun after it has set.

³² See the second approach that he offers.

³³ see the discussion above that according to R"Y Albo, Moshe's uniqueness lay precisely in the fact that he did not receive such an image and made no use of his imaginitive faculties when prophesying.

³⁴ See Ibn Ezra, Rambam, Seforno.

³⁵ See Ibn Ezra, Rambam.

³⁶ See Ibn Ezra, Rambam, and Abarbanel.

³⁷ See Ibn Ezra, R"Y Bekhor Shor, Rambam, and Seforno.

³⁸ These sources also allow for the possibility that in other instances where an individual is said to "see Hashem" this refers to a prophetic vision in which the prophet sees an image which he understands to represent Hashem (as discussed in the approach above).

³⁹ See his second explanation of the episode.

⁴⁰ They were like one who is trying to comprehend another yet can only see under their legs, not even the legs themselves, let alone anything higher than that.

⁴¹ The verse's statement "לֹא שָׁלַח יָדוֹ" teaches that they were deserving of punishment, and only due to Moshes intervention was it delayed.

⁴² According to Ralbag the verse states "לֹא שָׁלַח יָדוֹ" to teach that they were not killed despite the prevalent notion that attaining that level of perception of the Divine would result in death.

⁴³ After all, Hashem tells Moshe n Shemot, "' and in Devarim Moshe tells the people that they saw "no picture" at Sinai.

⁴⁴ Ralbag explains similalry noting that other prophets needed to use their imagination (כח המדמה) when prophesying whereas Moshe did not.

⁴⁵ See his formulation, "כי השליח יקרא בשם השולח, כי אחר שצוהו לעשות כן הוא עושה".

⁴⁶ It is not clear if R. Saadia assumes that the cloud which appeared to the people is totally equivalent to the created light, contained within it the created light, or if the two are different entities but both referred to as "Hashem's glory".

⁴⁷ R"Y Albo asserts that in the beginning of Moshe's career, he, too, received prophecy via the mediation of an angel; only later did he merit "face to face" encounters.

⁴⁸ See R. Avraham b. HaRambamShemot 19:11About R. Avraham Maimonides.

⁴⁹ According to R. Saadia, Hashem's words were directed at Moshe and the nation overheard them. Though at first glance it would be difficult to refer to this as "face to face", it is possible that R. Saadia thinks that as opposed to most prophecies, this one was not mediated by an angel, and in that sense it was direct.

⁵⁰ See also Targum Onkelos who writes, "וַחֲזוֹ יָת יְקָר אֱלָהָא דְּיִשְׂרָאֵל".

⁵¹ The mountain was covered by a thick cloud and dense smoke when the glory descended.

⁵² Alternatively, it is possible that the very nature of the glory which was seen by each group was qualitatively different.

⁵³ See R"Y Bekhor Shor similarly.