God, being omniscient, had no need of hearing from Moses the
answer of the people, still propriety demands that one who is sent
on a message return to make a report of his success to him who
sent him. God hereupon said to Moses: "I will come to thee in a
thick cloud and repeat to thee the commandments that I gave thee
on Marah, so that what thou tellest them may seem to the people
as important as what they hear from Me. But not only in thee shall
they have faith, but also in the prophets and sages that will come
after thee."

Moses then returned to the people once more, and explained to
them the serious effects that disregard of the law would have upon
them. The first time he spoke to them about the Torah, he
expounded its excellencies to them, so as to induce them to accept
it; but now he spoke to them of the terrible punishments they
would bring upon themselves, if they did not observe the laws. The
people did not, however, alter their resolution, but were full of joy
in the expectation of receiving the Torah. They only wished Moses
to voice to God their desire to hear Him impart His words directly
to them, so they said to Moses, "We want to hear the words of our
King from Himself." They were not even content with this, but
wanted to see the Divine presence, for "hearing is not like seeing."
God granted both their wishes, and commanded Moses to tell them
to prepare themselves during the next two days for receiving the
Torah. [191]

ISRAEL PREPARES FOR THE REVELATION

Just as one who is to be admitted to Judaism must first submit to
the three ceremonies of circumcision, baptism, and sacrifice, so