The scene could be straight out of a supernatural thriller: an entire nation standing at the foot of a mountain, which hovers menacingly above them like a giant upturned bowl. Yet this dramatic image comes from one of Judaism’s most profound theological discussions about free will, commitment, and the nature of divine coercion.
The Torah portion of Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18) primarily deals with civil and criminal laws, covering everything from property damages to ethical treatment of strangers. But tucked within this legal discourse is a pivotal moment in Jewish history: the formal covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai.
In what seems like a clear expression of free will, the Israelites make their famous declaration:
Their words, “All that the LordĀ has spoken we will faithfully do!” echo across the desert, expressing what appears to be their wholehearted acceptance of the Torah. Or so it seems.
But here’s where it gets interesting. The sages point to a seemingly contradictory verse from earlier in Exodus:
According to the sages’ homiletical interpretation of this verse, God held Mount Sinai over the Israelites like a barrel, essentially saying, “If you accept the Torah, excellent. If not, this will be your burial place.” Talk about an offer you can’t refuse!
This presents us with a paradox: Was the acceptance of the Torah an act of free will or divine coercion?
The medieval Jewish scholars known as the Tosafot offer an fascinating resolution: Yes, the Israelites did initially accept the Torah willingly with their declaration of “All that the LordĀ has spoken we will faithfully do!”. However, God still felt it necessary to hold the mountain over them because perhaps they would get scared when they saw the great sound and light show that accompanied the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and reconsider. He “forced” them to go through with the decision they wanted to make.
But this raises another question, brilliantly posed by Rabbi Shmuel Berenbaum, the late head of the Mir Talmudical academy in Brooklyn, NY: Why not simply remove the intimidating elements – the fire, thunder, and lightning – from the scene entirely? Then there would be no need for divine coercion at all.
His answer transforms our understanding of the entire episode. The spectacular display at Sinai wasn’t just for show – it was an essential part of the Torah’s transmission. Torah, he explains, cannot be learned or followed without passion and enthusiasm – an internal fire that drives a person’s learning and his relationship with God. The physical fire at Sinai wasn’t meant to frighten, but to ignite this spiritual flame within each and every one of us.
Our voluntary commitment and external frameworks are necessary for religious commitment, but perhaps most most important is the inner fire that fuels our journey. The dramatic scene at Sinai wasn’t just about accepting the Torah – it was about understanding how to sustain that acceptance. Sometimes what appears to be intimidating or challenging in our spiritual journey isn’t an obstacle to overcome, but rather the very fuel we need to keep our commitment burning bright.
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