Focus on the Deed
Torah was given at Sinai; the reverse approach was taken: First there was a revelation of the innermost dimension, as our Sages state in Shemos Rabbah regarding the verse “And G-d descended on Mount Sinai”—that at that moment, not only did all the Jews see the Supernal Chariot (merkavah ha’elyonah), but they even saw G-d Himself “riding” upon the Supernal Chariot. They witnessed Him descending, together with the Chariot, upon Mount Sinai. And this was all before “G-d spoke all these words, saying”—the Ten Commandments, which include the entire Torah. Clearly, the inner teachings were transmitted visually before the “revealed” teachings were transmitted verbally.
A nation of mystics: Not only that, but this view of the Chariot and its Rider occurred in a manner of complete comprehension and understanding. Not only did they see—for one may view the entirety of a thing along with all of its particulars and still not understand what exactly he is seeing—but at the same time, they fully comprehended what they were seeing. As our Sages put it, “they heard that which was seen,” and conversely, “they saw that which was heard”—meaning that they had “both advantages of seeing and of hearing, as one.” (“Hearing” also connotes “understanding.”)
