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If one takes the p’sukim at face value, there does not seem to be a connection between the two topics. One rule has to do with avoiding an overwhelmingly holy place that happens to have been a mountain. The other seems to deal with a technical concern to avoid something unseemly when one properly ascends the mizbe’ach. However, let us explore a homiletic idea that will add a further aspect to our appreciation of these topics.
The Meshech Chochma (Shemot 19:22) raises the idea that those closest to Hashem are liable to receive severe punishment for their sins. As Hashem knew that shortly after the giving of the Torah, Bnei Yisrael would sin with the Golden Calf, He was concerned about the severity of the punishment that would be needed. Had Bnei Yisrael been allowed to go up the mountain and be exposed to Divine Revelation in an even more profound manner than they actually were, their level of culpability would have been so great as to mandate full destruction. Therefore, Hashem prevented them from attaining a dangerously high spiritual level. Indeed, unchecked rapid spiritual growth can cause a precipitous spiritual fall if proper spiritual protections are missing. As mentioned above, going up the mountain could have caused the fall of many and/or the great.
The Divine Presence that rested on Sinai later departed and appeared on the mizbe’ach of the Mishkan and the Beit Hamikdash. Following the Meshech Chochma’s lead, we can conclude that there too it is important to check how we go up to the altar. To understand how that might apply, let us look at the Kli Yakar on the concept of uncovering oneself when walking on steps. He says that this alludes to haughtiness, as Chazal say that one who is haughty is like one who carries out sins of incest or promiscuousity. In Mishpatim, we learn that the Sanhedrin was placed near the altar to teach us that the same need of humility is required regarding judgment as well.
If one is elevated too fast he may stumble in his self-image and suffer from over-confidence as if that is his natural position. This can lead even or especially a person of stature to a situation that is comparable to promiscuity and in some cases to promiscuity itself.
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
