Musar zu Schemot 19:9

We must surely ask some penetrating questions regarding this tradition! There is nothing wrong with asking for elucidation about fine points in the Torah in order to understand their meaning! It is certainly not a sin! To which prophet of their prophets did G–d reveal the Torah -when He appproached Esau's descendants- to have caused them to refuse it? The same question applies to G–d's enquiry in Paran. Did G–d indeed consult the entire nation of the Ishmaelites? We have never heard of G–d revealing Himself to any nation except to Israel through Moses! Besides, the Torah should have said that G–d came from Paran to Sinai, not that He came from Sinai! Rabbi Shimon said that this question can be answered. The meaning of the words: "G–d came from Sinai," is similar to the meaning of G–d saying to Moses in 19,9: "Here I will come to you in the thickness of the cloud." G–d came to Moses from Sinai and revealed Himself to Israel. What did G–d reveal? He revealed that the בני שעיר had declined the offer of the Torah. He then displayed additional love for Israel. The same holds true for the words הופיע מהר פארן. G–d conveyed to Israel that the Ishmaelites had refused His offer. The refusal of other nations to accept the Torah made Israel more beloved in His eyes because Israel accepted the Torah knowing that other nations had already declined it.