שמות, פרק ל״ד, פסוק י׳

Following the devastating sin of the Golden Calf and Moses's extensive prayers, God responds by establishing a renewed connection with the Israelites. This is not merely a gesture of forgiveness, but the creation of a new, more deeply rooted spiritual reality. God restores the broken relationship and assures the giving of the second tablets. Unlike the initial agreement, which was conditional, this renewed covenant is eternal and resilient. It guarantees that the Divine Presence will remain with the Israelites even if they stumble [חומש קה״ת, הכתב והקבלה, אדרת אליהו], and ensures that the prayer invoking the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy will never go unanswered [תורה תמימה]. This profound commitment serves as a direct response to Moses's plea that God journey alongside them [ספורנו, רשב״ם, קאסוטו].

At the heart of this renewed covenant is a promise of unprecedented wonders. The exact nature of these wonders sparks a fascinating discussion among commentators. A central approach connects these wonders to Moses's earlier plea for his people to be distinguished from others. According to this thought, these are not new physical miracles, as nothing could surpass the magnitude of the Exodus or the splitting of the Red Sea. Instead, they represent an unparalleled spiritual phenomenon: the Divine Presence and the Clouds of Glory will rest exclusively upon the Israelites, visibly separating them from all other nations [רש״י, הטור הארוך, רקנאטי, הכתב והקבלה, ברכת אשר]. Conversely, others interpret the promise literally, anticipating extraordinary future physical miracles, such as the sun standing still during the days of Joshua, or the supernatural protection required to survive the desert and conquer the land [רבנו בחיי, מלבי״ם, קאסוטו].

Taking a broader perspective, these wonders can be understood as the historical triumphs of the nation. This includes Israel's survival against all odds and the eventual restoration of their land from ruin, phenomena unmatched in human history [העמק דבר]. The very existence of such a divine system of law and providence is itself a historical marvel [רש ר הירש]. Furthermore, the promise highlights a unique connection to Moses. When God addresses the Israelites as belonging to Moses, He is not distancing Himself from them. Rather, He is praising the nation for meriting such a dedicated leader and defender, acknowledging that these miracles are performed in his merit [קאסוטו, ספורנו].

Finally, God promises to perform an awe-inspiring deed directly with Moses. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to a deeply personal, supernatural event: the radiant glowing of Moses's face, which would evoke such intense fear that the people would be afraid to approach him [אבן עזרא, רשב״ם, בכור שור, חזקוני, ביאור יש״ר]. While the broader wonders would be visible to everyone, the profound comprehension of this specific, awesome manifestation of God would only be grasped by a select few close to Moses, as the general public could not withstand such an intense revelation [אלשיך]. Alternatively, this awe-inspiring deed is seen as a future event meant to protect Moses's honor, fulfilled when God miraculously punishes Korah and his followers for challenging his leadership [העמק דבר].