Rejoicing in Israel's Benefit
בפסוק וישב משה כו' אנכי בא אליך בעב הענן כו' ויגד משה כו'.
“In the verse: ‘And Moses returned… I will come to you in a thick cloud… and Moses told [the words].’”
The Sefat Emet introduces the passage by noting the sequence of verses relating to Moses returning and God coming in the cloud, establishing the context in which Moses conveys God's words to Israel.
להודיע חבתו של מרע"ה אם כי נודע.
“To make known the affection for our teacher Moses, even though it is already known.”
The Torah reemphasizes the unique love God has for Moses, despite this already being evident from earlier narratives.
לו שיהי' לו כמו נחיתת דרגא כמ"ש בעב הענן.
“For him, it would seem to be a descent in level, as it says: ‘in a thick cloud.’”
Appearing to Moses in the cloud could be interpreted as a lesser, more obscured revelation than the clarity Moses usually receives.
בעבור טובת בנ"י.
“For the sake of the good of the Children of Israel.”
This diminished revelation occurs not because of Moses, but to accommodate Israel’s spiritual capacity.
מול כן מודיע הכ' ויגד משה שלא הי' נחשב לו שום נגיעה.
“In contrast, Scripture informs us: ‘And Moses told,’ indicating that he considered none of this as personal impact.”
Moses felt no slight or personal loss in receiving a lower mode of revelation for Israel’s sake.
כמ"ש חז"ל ע"פ וירד מן ההר אל העם שלא הי' פונה לעסקיו כנ"ל שלא הי' אצלו שום תרעומות בלבו.
“As the Sages said on the verse ‘And he descended from the mountain to the people’—that he did not turn to his own affairs; likewise here, he had no resentment in his heart.”
Moses exemplified total selflessness, prioritizing Israel over any personal considerations or spiritual preferences.
רק שמח בטובתן של ישראל.
“He was only joyful for the good of Israel.”
Moses’ joy came from Israel’s benefit, demonstrating his complete alignment with their spiritual growth.
כמו שראינו אח"כ דכ' ויעמוד העם מרחוק ומשה נגש כו'.
“As we later see: ‘The people stood from afar, and Moses drew near…’”
This later scene confirms the spiritual distance between Israel and Moses, yet Moses bridges the gap for their sake.
מכלל כי מקודם לא הי' עולה כל כך לטובתן של ישראל.
“Which implies that previously he did not ascend as much, for the sake of Israel.”
Before Sinai, Moses’ spiritual ascent was moderated to match Israel’s needs; afterward, the contrast becomes clearer.
וכמ"ש במ"א פי' קרב אתה ושמע:
“As explained elsewhere regarding the verse: ‘You, come near and hear.’”
The Sefat Emet refers to earlier teachings where Moses’ role as intermediary is explained as an act of selfless service.
Summary: The passage highlights Moses’ complete selflessness—accepting a lower revelation for Israel’s benefit without any complaint, acting always with joy for Israel’s good, and serving as their intermediary even when it limited his own spiritual ascent.