Shavuot Table Topics/0/en

Shavuot Table Topics

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Who Heard What?

Though many people assume that the entire nation heard all ten of the Aseret HaDibrot directly from God, many commentators suggest that Moshe might have acted as an intermediary for at least part of, if not the entire, experience.  What verses would support each position?

• Ibn Ezra and Rashbam maintain that the nation heard the entire Decalogue from Hashem, but then fear overcame them and they requested that Moshe step in.  Had it not been for their fear, Hashem would have relayed the rest of Torah directly as well.  How does this reading affect your perceptions of the uniqueness of the Aseret HaDibrot?  Is it problematic to suggest that Hashem might have a change of plan?

• Rambam, in contrast, assumes that Hashem spoke directly only to Moshe. The people listened to their conversation, but only heard the Divine voice and could not decipher His words.  Rambam is likely motivated by his belief that indiscriminate prophecy is impossible.  Do you agree that prophecy is only possible with proper training and preparation, or can anyone reach prophetic levels if Hashem chooses to speak to them?  Support your position from elsewhere in Tanakh!
• According to those who maintain that revelation was a direct, face to face encounter, presumably one of the primary goals of the experience was to attain belief in Hashem. What, though, would be the purpose of revelation according to those who suggest that Moshe was meant to act as an intermediary?  For elaboration, see The Decalogue: Direct From Hashem or Via Moshe?