Shabbat/Shavuot Torah study

Proximity and Access, Boundaries and Holiness

• Why was the Torah given in the Desert?
• How does its landscape or its reality lay the geography for the giving of the Torah?

Exodus 19:1-2- On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone forth from the land of Egypt, on that very day, they entered the wilderness of Sinai. Having journeyed from Rephidim, they entered the wilderness of Sinai and encamped in the wilderness. Israel encamped there in front of the mountain.

Numbers 1:51-When the Tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down, and when the Tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up; any alien who encroaches shall be put to death.

3:4- But Nadab and Abihu died by the will of the LORD, when they offered alien fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai; and they left no sons. So it was Eleazar and Ithamar who served as priests in the lifetime of their father Aaron.

3:10- You shall make Aaron and his sons responsible for observing their priestly duties; and any alien who encroaches shall be put to death.

Exodus 19:11-12-  Let them be ready for the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down, in the sight of all the people, on Mount Sinai. You shall set bounds for the people round about, saying, 'Beware of going up the mountain or touching the border of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death

Exodus 20:16- "You speak to us," they said to Moses, "and we will obey; but let not God speak to us, lest we die."