Daily Chumash & Rashi – Parshas Shemos Revi’i: The burning bush (Wednesday, 18th Teves)

1) Why did Moshe take the flock “far into the desert”?

To avoid even the possibility of theft. Moshe did not want the sheep to graze in fields belonging to other people. This shows his integrity — a key trait for someone whom G‑d would choose as leader.

2) Why is the place called “the mountain of G‑d” (Har HaElokim) even before the Torah is given there?

It is called that because of what would happen there in the future — the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

3) Why did the angel appear specifically in a thorn bush (sneh)?

Because G‑d is “with him in distress.” The thorn bush symbolizes Israel’s suffering in Egypt. G‑d reveals Himself in their pain, not apart from it.

4) What was unusual about the fire?

Moshe saw that the bush was on fire but not being consumed. This served as a sign: Just as the bush burned but remained intact, so Moshe would confront Pharaoh yet not be harmed.

5) What did Moshe mean when he said, “Let me turn aside and see”?

He meant: Let me deviate from my current path and approach that place.
He consciously turns toward the revelation — and G‑d responds.

6) Why does G‑d call out “Moshe, Moshe”?

The double call expresses affection and urgency.

7) Why must Moshe remove his shoes?

The place is holy due to the Divine Presence.

8) Why does Moshe hide his face?

He is afraid to look at G‑d — an expression of awe, modesty, and humility.

9) What does G‑d mean when He says, “I have paid attention to their pains”?

He has not ignored or closed His ears to Israel’s suffering.

10) When G‑d says “I have come down to rescue them,” what is G‑d promising?

• To take them out of Egypt
• To bring them into a good and spacious land
• A land flowing with milk and honey
  This promise underscores the compassion motivating the redemption.

11) When G‑d commands Moshe to go to Pharaoh, why does Moshe ask, “Who am I?”

1. Who am I to speak to a king?
2. What merit do the Israelites have for such miracles to be done for them?

12) How does G‑d answer Moshe’s concerns?

G‑d answers both points separately:

1. “I will be with you.”
   The mission’s success depends on G‑d, not on Moshe’s personal status.
2. “This is the sign…”
   The burning bush is Moshe’s proof that G‑d can save him from danger.
3. Their merit:
   They will receive the Torah on this very mountain.
   That future destiny empowers the present redemption.

13) Why does Moshe ask, “What is His Name?”

Moshe anticipates the Israelites asking for G‑d’s Name as proof of a genuine mission.

14) What is the meaning of G‑d’s answer “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh — I will be what I will be”?

Rashi:
G‑d will be with Israel in this trouble just as He will be with them in future exiles. Moshe protests that this will cause them distress, so G‑d tells him to tell the people only the part relevant now: “Ehyeh — I am with you in this trouble.”

15) What does G‑d mean by “This is My Name forever… this is My remembrance for all generations”?

• “Forever” (לעולם) is written defectively, hinting that G‑d’s Name is not pronounced as it is written — its true vocalization is concealed.
• “This is My remembrance” means G‑d now teaches Moshe the correct way to pronounce His Name for liturgical use.