Kabbalah Library

19. The last generation, which came out of Egypt, knew everything, since Moses revealed to them all those forty years when they were in the desert. But even Moses revealed it only on the day when he departed from the world, as it is written, “I am one hundred and twenty years old today,” on the very day when he departed from the world.

Nevertheless, he did not speak until he was given permission, as it is written, “And now write this singing to yourselves and teach it to the children of Israel.” When he revealed, he did not say “Give ear, Israel,” but rather “Give ear, the heavens.”

20. “And now write this singing to yourselves.” It is written, “this singing.” Is it called singing? Should it not have said “the Torah”? It is indeed singing. As singing was drawn by the holy spirit from above downward, so were these words, drawn by the holy spirit from above downward. This is why Moses said singing.”

21. Moses said and called on the upper ones before he began to say a word, as it is written, “Give ear, the heavens.” “May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the grass, and like showers upon the herb.” And why is this so? It is because “I will call on the name of the Lord.” Before he said this matter, he made noise in all the worlds.

22. When Moses said, “Give ear, the heavens, and I will speak,” the worlds were shaken. A voice came out and said, “Moses, Moses, why are you making noise in all the world? You are human, and because of you, the world is startled.” He opened and said, “For I will call on the name of the Lord.” At that time, they went silent and listened to his words.