Still Burning?

The Torah points out that when Moshe descended Har Sinai it was still burning. What’s the significance in this?

The commentators explain: The sin of the Egel was compounded by the fact that the Jews rebelled in full view of the Sh’china, represented by the fire on the mountain. This was an added chutzpah, to rebel in front of Hashem. Moshe was bringing this to their attention. Alternatively, the Jews ought to have seen the Sh’china atop the mountain and not created the Egel. They should have realized that things were okay. Their mistake was unjustified.

We suggested a different tack altogether. After Moshe saw the Egel, he returned and prayed for the Jews’ salvation. What gave him the confidence to do so was that the fire was still burning atop the mountain. If indeed Hashem was through with the Jews, then why didn’t the Sh’china depart? Why did the fire yet burn? It must be that Hashem really wanted that Moshe pray for the Jews, and that Hashem would pardon them!