Rabbi Joshua, son of Levi, says that at the time when Moses went up to heaven to receive the Law, which the Lord, blessed be He, was giving him, the angels said, "Lord of the universe, what is a mortal man doing here in the heavens amongst us?"

And the Lord replied, "He has come to receive the Torah."

Then the angels said, "Wilt Thou hand over to man that hidden jewel which Thou hast treasured up with Thee during 974 generations, before Thou hadst created the world? What is man whom Thou hast created? 'Give Thy beauty to the heavens' (Ps, 8.2). Leave the Torah here and do not give it to man."

Then God said, "Moses, answer the angels concerning that which they have spoken to Me."

And Moses replied, "Lord of the universe, I would fain answer them, but I fear lest they burn me up with the breath of their mouths."

Then God said, "Moses take hold of the throne of glory and answer their speech."

And when our master Moses heard this, he began to speak, and said, "Lord of the universe, what is written in that Torah which Thou intendest to give to me? 'I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of Egypt' (Ex. 20.2). O angels, have you gone down into Egypt? Have you served Pharaoh? Then why should the Lord, blessed be He, give you the Torah? Again, what else is written in this Torah? Is it not written, 'Thou shalt have no other gods before Me' (ibid. v. 3)? Are you living among heathens that you should serve other gods? It is further written therein, 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy' (ibid. v. 8), which means, rest on that day. Are you working that you should have to be commanded to rest? Furthermore, it is written

therein, 'Thou shalt not take a false oath' (cf. ibid. v. 7). Are you engaged in business that you should be commanded not to take a false oath? Furthermore, 'Honour thy father and thy mother' (ibid. v. 12). Have you a father and a mother that you should be commanded to honor them? 'Thou shalt not murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal' (ibid. v. 13). Is there envy and hatred among you that you should be commanded not to do these things? Of what good, therefore, is the Torah to you?"

When the angels heard this, they became friendly to Moses and everyone of the angels taught him something, even the angel of death.