Seeing Hashem/2

Seeing Hashem

Exegetical Approaches

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Unmediated Manifestation

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

Sources:RashbamBereshit 48:8Shemot 24:10-11Shemot 33:18About R. Shemuel b. Meir

Prophetic Vision

Hashem reveals himself to mankind only via prophecy.  Any image that they see is only in a prophetic dream.

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.

Angelic Mediation

Sources:Verses which speak of Hashem appearing to man refer not to Hashem Himself, but to an angel

Representation of Hashem

Hashem does not reveal Himself, but rather provides man with a symbol of His glory, be it a light, cloud or fire.

Sources:R. Saadia Gaonin Otzar HaGeonim Berakhot 6bHaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:9HaEmunot VeHaDeiot 2:10HaEmunot VeHaDeiot 3:5About R. Saadia Gaon