Kaisipang Hudyo sa Deuteronomio 5:2: Guide for the Perplexed

The four elements indicated, according to our explanation, in the term ereẓ “earth,” in the first verse, are mentioned first after the heavens: for they are named ereẓ (earth), ruaḥ (air), mayim (water), and hoshek (fire). By ḥoshek the element fire is meant, nothing else; comp. “And thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire” (Deut. 4:36); and, “When ye heard the voice out of the midst of the ḥoshek” (darkness) (ibid. 5:2); again, “All ḥoshek (darkness) shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him” (Job 20:26). The element fire is called ḥoshek because it is not luminous, it is only transparent; for if it were luminous we should see at night the whole atmosphere in flames.