1)

Why did Moshe kneel and prostrate hinself?

1.

Rashi and Rashbam: When he saw the Shechinah passing and heard its voice. 1

2.

Seforno: Out of submission to Hashem who was passing.

3.

Moshav Zekenim: It refers to 33:14, when Hashem said "Panai Yeleichu ...". Moshe bowed as a sign of gratitude 2 - like one who received a great gift from the king, and he thanks and bows down to him. 3

4.

Da'as Zekenim (in Pasuk 7) and Hadar Zekenim: After hearing that Hashem is "Rachum ve'Chanun", he was no longer afraid ("Pen Achelcha ba'Darech"), so he thanked Hashem bowed and continued to Daven.

5.

Sanhedrin, 111a: Because he 'saw' the Midah of "Erech Apayim". 4


1

Either in awe of the Shechinah or in submission to it.

2

Moshav Zekenim: Since an angel would not pardon our sins, but Hashem, who is full of mercy, will.

3

If Hashem promised to go among us, why, in the following Pasuk, does Moshe repeat the request? This is difficult even according to the other explanations - that Moshe prostrated himself after he heard the thirteen Midos. Refer to 33:15:1:3 & 4 and to 34:9:1:1-3.

4

See Torah Temimah, note 16.

2)

What is the significance of the fact that Moshe hurried to kneel and prostrate himself?

1.

Seforno: It is a sign of total submission, demonstrating the esteem in which one holds the one before whom one is prostrating oneself. 1

2.

Moshav Zekenim #1, Da'as Zekenim (in Pasuk 7) #1 and Hadar Zekenim #1: He was afraid that Hashem would add more generations, and that everyone would subsequently stumble in the sins of his fathers (and be punished for them). 2

3.

Rosh: He was afraid that Hashem would pass quickly. 3

4.

See Torah Temimah, note 16.


1

As the Gemara relates in B'rachos 12b - when Rav Sheishes would bow down, he would bow down like a stick - in one quick motion, and unfurl like a snake (Seforno).

2

If Hashem's Midah were to punish until the fifth generation, would Hashem change His Midos because Moshe bowed? (PF)

3

Rosh: As the Navi writes in Yirmiyah 4:13 "ve'Chasufah Markevosav" (His chariots are swift).

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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