“Everything that the Lord has spoken we will perform and we will heed” (Exodus 24:7). This concept, that the obligation to obey (“we will perform”) precedes hearing and understanding the details of the Torah (“we will heed”), is considered by the Sages to be an exalted principle, comparable to the conduct of the celestial angels. Because of this, the Israelites were worthy of distinction and majesty.

Reish Lakish said: What is the meaning of what is written: “It was evening and it was morning, the sixth day [hashishi]” (Genesis 1:31)? Why do I require the superfluous heh? It teaches that the Holy One, blessed be He, made a condition with the act of Creation, and said to them: If Israel accepts the Torah on the sixth day of Sivan you will continue to exist; but if not, I will return you to the primordial state of chaos and disorder.

Rabbi Simai taught: When Israel pronounced the declaration: “We will perform” before the declaration: “We will heed,” 600,000 ministering angels came and tied two crowns to each and every member of the Israelites, one corresponding to “we will perform” and one corresponding to “we will heed.” And when Israel sinned [with the Golden Calf], 120,000 angels of destruction descended and removed them…

Reish Lakish said: In the future, the Holy One, blessed be He, will return them to us…

Rabbi Elazar said: When Israel pronounced “we will perform” before “we will heed,” a Divine Voice emerged and said to them: Who revealed to My children this secret used by the ministering angels? As it is written: “Bless the Lord, His angels, mighty in strength, who do His bidding, heeding His word” (Psalms 103:20). Initially, the angels do His bidding, afterward they heed. (Shabbat 88a)