Our Sages tell us that Zachor and Shamor (Remember and Guard) were said at the same time at Sinai, and we recall that each week in the words of Lecha Dodi. The Ramban explains something about the nature of the utterance that sheds light on the very essence of Shabbos.
He says that when Hashem said the 4th declaration/commandment, the people heard the word, “Shamor,” as it is recorded in this week’s parsha, but Moshe, himself, heard “Zachor,” the way it is recorded in Parshas Yisro.
Moshe conveyed this to the Jewish People, so they knew that both words were said at the same time. It seems that the words were spoken in a way that would be heard differently depending on the receiver. The Jews, who primarily viewed Shabbos as a decree of Hashem, dictating what they could and couldn’t do, heard “Shamor,” a reference to the negative prohibitions.
Moshe, though, whose soul resonated at a higher frequency, was able to perceive the inherent holiness of Shabbos and therefore he heard, “Zachor,” which refers to the positive commandments, the sanctity, and enjoyment of Shabbos.
He told the Jews that Zachor had been included so they might strive to find that in Shabbos, as it says, “Whoever is obligated in shemira, is obligated in zechira.”
We will find in Shabbos what we look for, and if we know how special it is, we have a better chance of finding that beauty, light, holiness, and joy.
