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 "saw Hashem".  Rashbam allows for direct revelation, claiming that in rare instances, when Hashem makes a covenantal relationship, He might grant the second party the honor of physically viewing Him without fear of mortal peril.

The majority of sources, in contrast, claim that since Hashem takes no bodily form, physically seeing Hashem is impossible. Any visions of Hashem in Tanakh must be understood either to have taken place in a prophetic dream (where man might imagine Hashem even in human form) or to refer to cognitive insight into some aspect of Hashem's essence. A final approach suggests that verses which speak of Hashem's revelation really refer only to the manifestation of Hashem's glory or to an angel.  Each is referred to as "Hashem" after the One who sent or created it.

Physical Perception 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.
• 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.¹ Thus, Avraham merited to see Hashem pass (Bereshit 15:17-18) at the Covenant Between the Pieces, the elders qualified to see Hashem (Shemot 24:10-11) at the covenant at Sinai, and Moshe was able to see Hashem (Shemot 33:23 and Shemot 34:6) in the context of the covenant in Shemot 34:10.

What did they see? 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 physical revelation, the vision is 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 unclear whether Rashi and Rashbam believed that Hashem might take on a corporeal form.²  If this position were to maintain, as R. Moshe TakuKetav Tamim (printed in Otzar Nechmad) is often understood to believe,³ that Hashem does adopt a bodily form at times, then the Biblical characters who "saw Hashem" might actually have seen a manifestation of Hashem's physical form and phrases such as "וְרָאִיתָ אֶת אֲחֹרָי" might be understood literally.

Revelation at Sinai (Shemot 19:17-24) – It is not clear what this position holds regarding the extent of the nation's perception of Hashem at Sinai:⁴

• Obscured vision – These sources might suggest that at Sinai Hashem literally descended on the mountain, revealing Himself, but obscured the vision in smoke and fire so that none would be harmed. As such, Moshe says "לֹא רְאִיתֶם כׇּל תְּמוּנָה בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר י״י אֲלֵיכֶם".  Despite the hidden nature of the revelation, however, the episode is nonetheless considered a "face to face" encounter, both because it was Hashem Himself, rather than His glory or an angel, which descended and because the people heard Hashem directly.⁵
• Direct perception – Alternatively, one might suggest that, as this, too, was a covenantal ceremony, the people were granted permission to physically see Hashem without fear of death, as per the description "פָּנִים בְּפָנִים דִּבֶּר י״י עִמָּכֶם". This reading, though, encounters considerable difficulty from Devarim 4's emphasis on the fact that the nation saw no image at Sinai ("וּתְמוּנָה אֵינְכֶם רֹאִים"). Perhaps, though, Hashem simply does not have a form that can in any way be called a "תְּמוּנָה",‎⁶ and this is what Moshe stresses in Sefer Devarim.

"הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי בָּא אֵלֶיךָ בְּעַב הֶעָנָן" (Shemot 19:9) – Rashbam explains that Hashem spoke to Moshe "in the thickness of the cloud" to prevent 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" (Vayikra 16:2) – This position might understand that Hashem is literally revealed on the kapporet and therefore any who enter the Inner Sanctum and see Him will die. Rashbam explains that for this reason, before entering the Inner Sanctum on Yom HaKippurim, the priest must first make a cloud of incense whereby the House is darkened and the vision is blocked.⁷

Visions of Hashem by prophets – "רָאִיתִי אֶת י״י יֹשֵׁב" – This position must explain how various prophets are all said to see Hashem, yet do not die:

• Prophetic vision or veiled encounter – Drawing off Bavli Yevamot 49bYevamot 49bAbout the Bavli, Rashi writes that all prophets (excluding Moshe) see through "a non-transparent glass".⁸  It is not clear if Rashi's emphasis is on the lack of clarity in these prophets' visions or on the very fact that they occurred in a prophetic dream rather than being a direct revelation.⁹  Either way, this opaque or prophetic viewing is what allowed them to survive the revelation.¹⁰
• Hashem = an angel – Rashbam adds 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 he explains the appearance of "Hashem" to Avraham in Bereshit 18:1 and to Moshe by the Burning Bush (Shemot 3:2-5).¹¹

"'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 י"י" is mentioned, the verse also mentions the presence of Hashem's cloud.¹²  As such, the "כבוד" might refer to some manifestation of Hashem Himself, but this is always cloaked in a cloud so as to obscure the vision, protecting those who look at it from death.¹³
• Cloud of glory - Alternatively, it is possible that the "glory" refers to the cloud itself,¹⁴ and is meant to signify Hashem, but does not actually contain Hashem's presence. As such, it is not dangerous to gaze 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.¹⁵

Moshe's uniqueness – Rashi and Rashbam disagree regarding whether or not Moshe saw more than others:

• Rashi suggests that Moshe did see more than others. As mentioned, he claims that while others could only see Hashem through an "opaque glass", Moshe perceived him through a transparent one.  Nonetheless, even Moshe only saw "מראה אחוריים" and not "מראה שכינה" for even Moshe cannot see the Shechinah and live.‎       
• 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.¹⁶

Nonphysical Apprehension of Hashem

Humans cannot physically see Hashem. When the Torah speaks of Divine revelation, it refers either to a prophetic dream or to a cognitive experience, man's comprehending of some aspect of Hashem's nature.

Sources: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 1:26Bemidbar 12:6-8About R. Yosef Bekhor Shor,¹⁷ RambamHilkhot Yesodei HaTorah 1:8-12Hilkhot Yesodei HaTorah 2:4Hilkhot Yesodei HaTorah 7:4-6Moreh Nevukhim 1:4Moreh Nevukhim 1:5Moreh Nevukhim 1:21Moreh Nevukhim 1:54Moreh Nevukhim 1:64Moreh Nevukhim 2:41Moreh Nevukhim 2:42Moreh Nevukhim 2:45About R. Moshe b. Maimon, R. Avraham b. HaRambamBereshit 26:24Shemot 16:7Shemot 16:9-10Shemot 19:11Shemot 24:10-11Shemot 33:12-23About R. Avraham Maimonides,¹⁸ 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,¹⁹ R"Y Albo2:283:17About R. Yosef Albo,²⁰ 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 19:11Shemot 20:3Shemot 24:10-11Yeshayahu 6:1Yeshayahu 6:5HaMishtadel Shemot 33:18About R. Shemuel David Luzzatto,²¹ MalbimBereshit 12:7Shemot 33:18-23Yeshayahu Beur HaInyan 6:1Yeshayahu Beur HaMilot 6:1About R. Meir Leibush Weiser

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 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 either prophetic visions or insight into Hashem's essence.

The roots ראה, הביט, חזה – 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 "רָאִיתִי אֶת י"י" or  "וָאֶרְאֶה אֶת י"י'" by Mikhaihu and Yeshayahu, "וּתְמֻנַת י"י יַבִּיט" with regards to Moshe, or "וַיֶּחֱזוּ אֶת הָאֱ-לֹהִים" by the nobility at Sinai might all refer to intellectual perception and do not mean that any of these individuals physically saw Hashem.

Revelation to Avot – "...וַיֵּרָא י״י אֶל" – Malbim²² claims that this formulation (as opposed to the language of "...וַיֹּאמֶר י"י 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.

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, too, Hashem does not provide an image with a human shape at all, but rather signals His revelation via a glowing light²³ or other created image.²⁴  Finally, it is also possible that a prophet will see nothing at all, and the entire experience will be a purely cognitive one.²⁵ 

"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 verses 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.²⁶
• 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. Other verses which speak of seeing God refer to prophetic visions or to a lower level of cognition, both of which can be safely achieved 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.²⁷ Other prophets, though, could see images representing Hashem in their prophetic dreams.²⁸

"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,²⁹ but that they did not see even a prophetic visualization of Him.³⁰

"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 – Many sources sources note that the verse claims only that "Hashem spoke face to face", implying only that the nation heard Hashem directly, i.e. without mediation.³¹ The phrase, thus, says nothing about actually seeing the face or any image of Hashem.
• Prophetic image – In contrast, R. BachyaShemot 24:10Vayikra 16:2Devarim 5:4About R. Bachya b. Asher, following the Midrash³² (and in contrast to Shadal above), suggests that the words "פָּנִים בְּפָנִים" refers to the many images via which Hashem appeared to the different members of the nation during the revelation at Sinai. If so, one might suggest that these refer 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 approach, this vision, too, was not a physical one. Many of these sources³³ claim that the elders received a prophetic vision in which they imagined Hashem as described. Shadal explains that this was a special honor since the masses had only heard Hashem's voice at Sinai³⁴ and were not privileged to also prophetically see any created image.³⁵ Rambam and Ralbag, in contrast, assert that the verses speak of the elder's attempt to understand Hashem's essence.³⁶ [For elaboration on these varying understandings of the episode, see Revelation to the Elders at Sinai.]

"כְּבוֹד י"י" – These sources suggest that, depending on the context, this term can refer to Hashem's nature, to a created light 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 י"י" does it mean that they physically saw Hashem Himself.

Moshe's request: "הַרְאֵנִי נָא אֶת כְּבֹדֶךָ" – According to Rambam, R. Avraham b. HaRambam,³⁷ Seforno, and Malbim, Moshe was not asking to see Hashem, as Hashem has no body, but requested to understand some aspect of Hashem's being and existence. Hashem replied that a complete understanding was impossible, but Moshe could attain partial comprehension.³⁸

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.³⁹ Rather, it was the level and manner in which he received his prophecies which differentiated him. Moshe was capable of prophesying when awake⁴⁰ and could do so whenever he desired.⁴¹ Moreover, Hashem communicated with him directly and not via an angel⁴² so that he received clear messages and not analogies and riddles.⁴³

Revelation of Hashem's Glory

Verses which speak of Hashem appearing to man must be reinterpreted to mean either that Hashem's glory was revealed or that there was mediation of an angel.

Sources:OnkelosShemot 24:10-11About Targum Onkelos, R. Saadia Gaonin Otzar HaGeonim Berakhot 6bHaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:10HaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:12HaEmunot VeHaDeiot 3:5About R. Saadia Gaon

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.  In other words, when Hashem is said to have appeared to a prophet, this either means that an angel spoke with the prophet or that Hashem's "glory" (rather than Hashem Himself) was revealed.

Nature of Hashem's glory and angels

• R. Saadia understands Hashem's glory to be some brilliant visual sign created by Hashem to signify that it is He who is speaking to His prophets. He appears to understand angels in a similar way, considering them a lower, less radiant form of this created light.
• One, though, might alternatively suggest that the two entities are not similar and that while Hashem's glory is created just for the moment, angels are not ephemeral, but exist outside of their role in mediating Divine communication. In fact, this approach might claim that angels can even take on a corporeal form and this is what allows them to be physically seen by prophets.

Why refer to an angel or Hashem's glory as Hashem? Ibn EzraShemot Second Commentary 14:24Shemot Second Commentary 24:10-11Shemot Second Commentary 33:20-21Vayikra 16:2Devarim 5:4Yeshayahu 6:5About R. Avraham ibn Ezra explains that a messenger is like the one who sends him since he is simply doing his bidding and he might therefore might take on his name.⁴⁴ So, too, an angel fulfilling Hashem's will might be called by the name of Hashem.⁴⁵  R"Y Albo2:283:17About R. Yosef 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.

"לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי" – This approach might understand this statement in either of the following ways:

• Seeing Hashem's glory – R. Saadia asserts that the phrase refers not to the inability to see Hashem's bodily form, as He has none,⁴⁶ but to the inability to see even His glory. The created light of Hashem's glory is so bright and powerful that no mortal can actually look at it directly and live. As such, even verses which are reinterpreted to refer to seeing just this glory must be further restricted to refer to only an indirect, prophetic, or veiled vision thereof.⁴⁷
• Comprehending Hashem – One could alternatively suggest that this verse refers to the impossibility of totally comprehending Hashem.  This, though, does not preclude those worthy of seeing Hashem's glory or an angel from doing so even directly.

Face to face encounter at Sinai – According to this approach, at Sinai the nation saw only the brilliance of Hashem's glory, itself shrouded in fire and smoke,⁴⁸ not Hashem Himself.  The episode is described as a "face to face" encounter not because the people saw Hashem directly, but because they heard Him directly, as the verse states "פָּנִים בְּפָנִים דִּבֶּר י״י עִמָּכֶם".‎⁴⁹

Elders at Sinai – R. Saadia and R"Y Albo assert that when the verse states, "וַיִּרְאוּ אֵת אֱ-לֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל / וַיֶּחֱזוּ אֶת הָאֱ-לֹהִים", 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 distance and while it was heavily veiled.⁵¹ The elders, being more worthy,  merited to view it from much closer and while less obscured.⁵²

The cloud and fire

• Cloaking Hashem's glory – R. Saadia maintains that the cloud or fire which periodically appears to the people in the Wilderness is also referred to as "כְּבוֹד י"י" because it, too, serves to verify that Hashem is speaking to the nation's leaders. According to him, though, the cloud and fire are likely not themselves manifestations of Hashem's glory but rather house Hashem's light within them,⁵³ obscuring it enough to allow humans to look.⁵⁴ 
• Manifestation of Hashem's glory – If, though, one posits that it is physically possible to see Hashem's glory directly, then one might identify the fire/cloud with Hashem's glory itself.⁵⁵  Even the masses might directly see Hashem's glory on occasion, be it at festive episodes like the Consecration of the Tabernacle,⁵⁶ or when Hashem is especially angry⁵⁷ and needs His presence known.

Moshe's request: "הַרְאֵנִי נָא אֶת כְּבֹדֶךָ"

• R. Saadia maintains that Moshe requested that despite the general inability of humans to directly view Hashem's glory, that Hashem, nonetheless, give him the power to do so. Hashem replied that Moshe would not be able to see the light in its introductory phase ("לֹא תוּכַל לִרְאֹת אֶת פָּנָי") when it is at it strongest,⁵⁸ but Moshe would be able to see the final, less powerful rays ("וְרָאִיתָ אֶת אֲחֹרָי").‎⁵⁹ 
• Those who posit that it is not unique to see Hashem's glory might explain that Moshe was speaking about comprehending Hashem's essence and was told that total comprehension was impossible, but partial understanding was attainable.

Mediating role of angels – Both R. Saadia and R"Y Albo assume that, with the exception of Moshe,⁶⁰ prophets never receive prophecies directly from Hashem, but rather via an angel.  This, then, is a second motivating factor to reinterpret any verses which speak of prophetic revelation as involving an angel.⁶¹

Uniqueness of Moshe – This approach appears to suggest that part of the difference in level between prophets relates to the degree of brilliance of Hashem's glory which they are directly exposed to, with Moshe being permitted to see more than others. Moshe further stands out in being able to prophesy without the mediation of an angel and to more full comprehend the Divine.

¹ 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.

² Commentators who hailed from Moslem lands, such as R. Saadia Gaon, R. Chananel, and Rambam, tended to vehemently oppose the concept of a corporeal God, declaring such a stance heretical.  They were likely influenced by Muslim doctrines of incorporeality.  Commentators living in Christian countries, in contrast, where the concept of a corporeal God was widely accepted, might not have found the idea so troubling and might have been been more willing to accept anthropomorphic language in both Tanakh and Aggadah as being literal and signifying that Hashem has a body.
For discussion of Rashi's stance, see N. Slifkin, Was Rashi a Corporealist?, Hakirah 7 (2009): 81-205, and M. Zucker, No, Rashi Was Not a Corporealist, Hakirah 9 (2010): 15-43. For more general discussions of Jewish attitudes towards anthropomorphism and Hashem's corporeality, see Y. Lorberbaum, "על דעתם של חכמים ז"ל לא עלתה הגשמה מעולם - אנתרופומורפיות בספרות חז"ל - סקירת מחקר ביקורתית", Jewish Studies 40 (2000): 3-54, and S. Friedman, "צלם, דמות ותבנית", Sidra 22 (2007): 89-152.

³ However, see Joseph Dan, "Ashkenazi Hasidism and the Maimonidean Controversy", Maimonidean Studies Vol. 3 (1995): 42-43, who argues that Taku "most probably... did not" believe in an anthropomorphic God.

⁴ Both Rashi and Rashbam touch on the issue, suggesting that either the nation or Moshe at least 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:, "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 5:19Shemot 19:9-10Devarim 5:19About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki) which appears to present Hashem as agreeing only to direct verbal communication (לסבול כובד תוקף להבות פיו), but not a visual revelation.
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,  but from a distance). 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.

⁵ Alternatively, Hashem granted the nation permission to look, but only from afar, at which distance the nation could not truly make out Hashem's form. [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.]  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".‎

⁶ For example, if Hashem's form is simply some type of brilliant ethereal light, this would not be considered a "likeness".

⁷ See Vayikra 16:13, "וְכִסָּה עֲנַן הַקְּטֹרֶת אֶת הַכַּפֹּרֶת אֲשֶׁר עַל הָעֵדוּת וְלֹא יָמוּת".

⁸ Rashi notes that this is why Yechezkel's vision of Hashem is referred to as "מראות אלהים", being dream-like in nature.

⁹ 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".

¹⁰ Rashbam speaks explicitly only of Mikhaihu'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.

¹¹ In both of these cases the verses themselves contain ambiguity regarding who is appearing, mentioning not only Hashem but also explicitly refer to angels.

¹² 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.

¹³ See above point, that Rashbam explains that Hashem appeared to Moshe in a cloud for this very reason.

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

¹⁵ Similarly, when Vayikra 9:23 states that on the eighth day of the Tabernacle's consecration "Hashem's glory appeared", Rashbam explains that it refers to the miraculous fire that came to consume the offerings.

¹⁶ See the related topic of Moshe's Epitaph – Signs and Wonders.

¹⁷ See below that R"Y Bekhor Shor also suggests that many of the verses which speak of Hashem refer instead to His glory.

¹⁸ Regarding several verses, R. Avraham b. HaRambam raises two possibilities, either that the verse speaks of a cognitive apprehension of the Divine or that it refers to a prophetic viewing of Hashem's glory.

¹⁹ Ralbag also suggests that in several places where a verse speaks of Hashem, it might refer instead to Hashem's glory. [For example, he states that "וַיֵּרֶד י״י עַל הַר סִינַי" refers to Hashem's glory descending on the mountain.]

²⁰ R"Y Albo also suggests that in certain cases where a verse speaks of someone seeing Hashem, it really refers either to an angel or to Hashem's glory.

²¹ Shadal combines this approach with the next one, claiming that seeing Hashem refers to a prophetic viewing of the created light of Hashem's glory.

²² See also Keli YekarBereshit 12:7About R. Shelomo Ephraim Luntschitz and R. David Zvi HoffmannBereshit 12:7About R. David Zvi Hoffmann.

²³ See Yechezkel's description, "כְּמַרְאֵה הַקֶּשֶׁת אֲשֶׁר יִהְיֶה בֶעָנָן בְּיוֹם הַגֶּשֶׁם כֵּן מַרְאֵה הַנֹּגַהּ סָבִיב הוּא מַרְאֵה דְּמוּת כְּבוֹד י״י".

²⁴ Shadal suggests that there is perhaps a two step process. The prophet sees a "created image" which then awakens his heart to imagine Hashem.

²⁵ In such cases, the word "see" is reinterpreted to mean "understand".

²⁶ As support he points to Hoshea's words, "וּבְיַד הַנְּבִיאִים אֲדַמֶּה" (Hoshea 12:11).

²⁷ He is preceded in this by the Rambam who emphasizes that Moshe made no use of the "כח המדמה" while prophesying; he received the Divine message through pure intellect, without metaphor or visions. Rambam, though, does not suggest that this is the meaning of "לֹא יִרְאַנִי הָאָדָם וָחָי".

²⁸ 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.

²⁹ 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.

³⁰ 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.

³¹ Ibn Ezra, R"Y Bekhor Shor, and R. Hoffmann assert that the description teaches that the nation apprehended Hashem without the mediation of Moshe, while Rambam claims that they uniquely heard His voice without the intervention of an angel. Seforno adds a third possibility, that "פָּנִים בְּפָנִים" means that the nation received prophecy directly, in the sense that they were awake and fully in control of their faculties.  See The Decalogue: Direct From Hashem or Via Moshe for specifics.

³² See Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Shemot 15:215:219:11About Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Shemot and 19:1115:219:11About Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Shemot.

³³ See Ibn Ezra, R. Avraham b. HaRambam (in his first explanation of the term), R"Y Albo, Seforno, and Shadal.

³⁴ See his explanation of the phrase "לֹא רְאִיתֶם כׇּל תְּמוּנָה בְּיוֹם דִּבֶּר י״י אֲלֵיכֶם" above

³⁵ 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.

³⁶ Rambam claims that due to insufficient preparation, they attained a flawed perception of God, and were, thus, deserving of death.  The verse's statement "לֹא שָׁלַח יָדוֹ" teaches that they were deserving of punishment and only due to Moshes intervention was it delayed. Ralbag, though, raises the possibility that their understanding was a praiseworthy achievement.  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..

³⁷ See the second approach that he offers.

³⁸ Hashem, thus, told Moshe that though he could not comprehend Hashem's "face," he would be able to comprehend His "back" ("וְרָאִיתָ אֶת אֲחֹרָי").

³⁹ See above that according to Rambam and 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 imaginative faculties when prophesying.

⁴⁰ See Ibn Ezra, Rambam, Seforno.

⁴¹ See Ibn Ezra, Rambam.

⁴² This is what is meant when the verses say, "אֲשֶׁר יְדָעוֹ י״י פָּנִים אֶל פָּנִים". See Ibn Ezra, Rambam, and Abarbanel.

⁴³ See Ibn Ezra, R"Y Bekhor Shor, Rambam, and Seforno.  R"Y Bekhor Shor is explicitly polemical, pointing out that the fact that Moshe received clear prophecies without analogies refutes the claims of "other nations" that the Torah is allegorical.  R"Y Bekhor Shor is likely referring to the typology of Christianity, which claims that many incidents or characters in Torah prefigure events in the life of Jesus.

⁴⁴ See his formulation, "כי השליח יקרא בשם השולח, כי אחר שצוהו לעשות כן הוא עושה".

⁴⁵ There are several cases in Tanakh, where the text itself blurs the lines between the two, switching off between using the name Hashem and the appelation angel. Thus, in Shemot 3 by the Burning Bush, we are initially told, " וַיֵּרָא מַלְאַךְ י״י אֵלָיו" but later, "וַיִּקְרָא אֵלָיו אֱלֹהִים מִתּוֹךְ הַסְּנֶה".  In Shemot 13:21 we read, "וַי״י הֹלֵךְ לִפְנֵיהֶם יוֹמָם בְּעַמּוּד עָנָן", implying that Hashem Himself went before the people, but afterwards we see that it is an angel who was leading the nation, "וַיִּסַּע מַלְאַךְ הָאֱלֹהִים הַהֹלֵךְ לִפְנֵי מַחֲנֵה יִשְׂרָאֵל...".

⁴⁶ As such, it is not logical that Moshe would have requested to see it.

⁴⁷ R. Saadia is likely motivated by the fact that many verses speak of Hashem (=Hashem's glory) as appearing only in a cloud or fire/smoke. [See, for example, Shemot 16:10, 19:9, 18, 24:16, 34:5, Vayikra 16:2, Bemidbar 12:5, and Devarim 31:15.]
It is not clear if R. Saadia would say the same thing regarding angels.  As he implies that they too are created images, but less radiant than Hashem's glory, it is possible that he allows for a prophet to see them directly.  If, though, he thinks that their brilliance precludes this, he might suggest that they, too, are viewed only prophetically or while obscured.

⁴⁸ See Shemot 19:18, "וְהַר סִינַי עָשַׁן כֻּלּוֹ מִפְּנֵי אֲשֶׁר יָרַד עָלָיו י״י בָּאֵשׁ וַיַּעַל עֲשָׁנוֹ כְּעֶשֶׁן הַכִּבְשָׁן".

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 As mentioned, the mountain was covered by a thick cloud and dense smoke when the glory descended.

⁵² If one does not agree with R. Saadia that Hashem's glory can never be seen directly, then it is possible that, in contrast to the nation whose vision was clouded, the elders merited to see the light directly.

⁵³ See the note above that many verses speak of Hashem or His glory appearing from within a cloud, implying that they are two entities and the cloud serves to cloak the glory.

⁵⁴ Alternatively, he might maintain that the cloud and fire do not even house Hashem's light, and are their own distinct entities, referred to as "כבוד י"י" only because they take on the same function as the created glory of Hashem.

⁵⁵ See, for example, Shemot 24:17, "וּמַרְאֵה כְּבוֹד י״י כְּאֵשׁ אֹכֶלֶת" which implies that the glory appeared as a fire, not that it was housed within it.

⁵⁶ See Vayikra 9:6 and 9:23.

⁵⁷ See Bemidbar 14:10 and Bemidbar 16:19 when Hashem's glory appears when the nation begins to rebel after the Spies' report and during Korach's uprising.

⁵⁸ Hashem covered Moshe's eyes when this passed so he would be in no danger.

⁵⁹ Cf. R"Y Bekhor Shor who claims that Moshe did not see the actual glory at all, but only its remnants after Hashem passed, much as one might see rays from the sun after it has set.

⁶⁰ 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.

⁶¹ 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.