This week’s Parsha is known as the Parsha of the Ten Commandments. However, several things are written before we get to the Ten Commandments. What are they?
First, we find the journey of Yitro to the desert to join Moshe Rabbeinu and the Jews in their encampment. When Yitro arrived and heard of all the miracles that HaShem wrought for the Jews, he exclaimed, “Now I know that God is greater than all!” The Zohar comments: When Yitro made that declaration, the honor of HaShem was revealed above and below! Why? Because Yitro was an idolater who served every type of idolatry. Therefore, he was a person on the lowest level possible. Yet, when he recognized HaShem, he revealed HaShem on the lowest levels! Thus, God’s honor was increased. The same is with us. If a person feels himself so very far from HaShem, then it is actually he who, when recognizing HaShem and drawing closer to His service, is specifically this type of person who glorifies HaShem!
Secondly, we find the advice of Yitro to Moshe Rabbeinu about setting up a court system with higher courts and lower courts. This presents us with a court system that can work: it has a general court with lower claims and advances to a supreme court status. For us, it is the understanding that there are various levels of judges and leaders that we should appoint and listen to, with the knowledge that not everyone who leads is qualified to lead or judge. We must seek those who are worthy and qualified in order to lead all of Israel in the proper path.
Then we find an advisory of HaShem to set up a barrier prohibiting the Jews from ascending Mount Sinai while the Torah was being given. Why was this necessary? There are zealots who wish to “take it all in,” and despite warnings not to be extreme, will nevertheless go to the extreme and push beyond their barriers and limitations of time, effort, or money when serving HaShem. The barrier is meant to teach us that we should always strive to come close to HaShem but not exceed our limitations.
Then we can ascend the spiritual ladder, receive the Torah and Ten Commandments, and truly draw close to God.
Have a great Shabbos!
